Is it normal, my teen plays with action figures still?

amother

Thu, Dec 07 2023, 11:05 am

My son is 16, he often plays with action figures. He role plays with them making noises like fighting noises. I can't really explain but is it a concern? He may be playing soccer with them or something, I'm not quite sure!

amother

Gray

Thu, Dec 07 2023, 11:09 am

I haven't personally known a kid to play with barbies/action figures so long, so I'd say not normal, but not concerning. Everyone is a little different, and this is a harmless thing. I wouldn't mention it to him. He'll probably stop soon, but even if not, who cares?

amother

Chambray

Thu, Dec 07 2023, 11:44 am

My 8th grade daughter still plays with her American girl dolls. Its more making their hair and choosing outfits, but she still enjoys it.

As long as he isn't expecting to interact with peers that way, I think its fine. Maybe not super common, but people of all ages can benefit from play.

amother

Thu, Dec 07 2023, 12:27 pm

Thanks, it's far from his main hobby. He likes to watch videos, go on his tablet (he's only on some sports channels) and play soccer with his friends, and dh. Basically this evening he was asking me for the computer to go on, I said no (it doesn't go on, on Thursdays) my other kids were out at a chanukah event. He didn't want to go with, he was complaining that he's bored. Then I saw him playing with my younger son's new figures. When I saw, he just said 'son let's me play with them, he knows' so he doesn't chose to buy them with his own money, or get them as a present from us, but he does pick them up sometimes. Usually on a shabbos afternoon when he's bored. He's off yeshiva now until Tuesday as it's chanukah.
.

amother

Dimgray

Thu, Dec 07 2023, 12:30 pm

My 49-year-old DH does Lego and reads comic books. Is that weird? Probably a little, definitely a little.

It doesn’t negate the fact that he is a wonderful husband and father, has friends, hold down a job, and as a contributing member of our community. So he has his shtick. As long as he has friends and usually participates in main stream activities, I wouldn’t be concerned.

amother

Thu, Dec 07 2023, 1:17 pm

amother Dimgray wrote:

Thanks for this! My dh loves reading Asterix and Obelix books when my kids get them from the library Very Happy

amother

Opal

Thu, Dec 07 2023, 1:21 pm

I have a daughter who’s also into imaginative play and I also worry it’s not age-appropriate.I disagree with the other posters it’s not reading comics and building Lego.
But maybe it’s ok. Something bothers me about it.

Bnei Berak 10

Thu, Dec 07 2023, 2:05 pm

amother Dimgray wrote:

There's nothing wrong with Lego and comic books at all even if you are 49 years old. We all have our shticks. Once in a while one is allowed to have some fun.

amother

Caramel

Thu, Dec 07 2023, 2:35 pm

I still played with my dolls and with my playmobile at that age. I turned out just fine (in my 30s, with a graduate degree and a well-paying job, wonderful husband and children). Don't worry about it. While many kids stray away from imaginary play around their teenage years, not all do and they are just fine, they just have an additional set of interests.

amother

Thu, Dec 07 2023, 2:59 pm

amother Caramel wrote:

Thanks, so nice to hear!

tichellady

Thu, Dec 07 2023, 3:10 pm

Even if it’s not normal, there is nothing you could do about it that won’t be harmful. It’s definitely quirky but doesn’t sound alarming to me

amother

Thu, Dec 07 2023, 3:20 pm

tichellady wrote:

Even if it’s not normal, there is nothing you could do about it that won’t be harmful. It’s definitely quirky but doesn’t sound alarming to me

Yes he is definitely a bit different (quirky?) to other kids his age. We do see that to some extent, and he's in a very small 'specialised' yeshiva with more one of one staff. It's hard because he's our oldest. When I bring up these 'little' concerns to my dh, he's like you. And so what? Everyone is different. But still, I worry. I'm worried about who will want to marry him, will she handle him?! Etc...I guess he's got a lot of growing up to do in all areas but still I can't help but worry.

amother

Begonia

Thu, Dec 07 2023, 3:26 pm

amother OP wrote:

We all worry about our kids. It’s a built in part of mothering. Your son may be doing something a little unusual for his age but I wouldn’t say a word to him about it. The only thing you’ll accomplish is making him feel bad about himself and that’s the last thing you want to do to a kid that age.
My bracha to you in honor of the first night of Chanukah is you should never have a bigger worry from him or any of your kids.

amother

Thu, Dec 07 2023, 3:38 pm

amother Begonia wrote:

Amein!! Believe me, we've had way bigger worries with him, and my other children. Halevai this was the worst it got. I'll take that chanukah brocho though Smile

we all need yeshuos and miracles. As my great Aunt always says 'little kids, little problems, big kids, big problems' normal stuff. BH we have kids whom to worry about.

mommy3b2c

Thu, Dec 07 2023, 3:53 pm

My kids all do this and it starts phasing out at age 10/11. I can still catch them here or there at age 12 and then they stop by 13. It does seem very off for a 16 year old. That being said, if he is other wise socially normal , then who cares ? If he has other social/emotional issues then those need to be addressed .

amother

Thu, Dec 07 2023, 4:02 pm

mommy3b2c wrote:

Oh no

and they were my 14 year old son's new figures! He really loves them, way more than the 16 year old. Then I have my 11 year old who's we quite obsessed with them as well. They play with them mostly on shabbos. I guess I have strange kids Confused

amother

Slategray

Thu, Dec 07 2023, 4:03 pm

amother OP wrote:

There's a bashert for everyone. Maybe he'll be half of a quirky couple that plays with action figures. That's not the end of the world either.

Giraffe

Thu, Dec 07 2023, 4:19 pm

Getting to my late 30's and I still play Nintendo games and have so many plush toys. My husband is into Japanese cartoons. Happily married and we just had our 10th anniversary. We have children already.

Yes it is possible to raise a family, be employed and still have hobbies that are associated with children on the side. I am sure most here are familiar with the concept of "Disney adults."