this post was submitted on 07 Sep 2025
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parenting

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Having a really hard time with imagination play/playing with toys (hexbear.net)
submitted 2 months ago by Acute_Engles@hexbear.net to c/parenting@hexbear.net
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I have ADHD and was diagnosed as an adult. Even when I'm caught up on meds and everything I'm having a severe mental block when it comes to playing with dolls and action figures and similar toys.

My kid is just barely 4 and loves playing with toys now more than they ever have before. I feel like such a shit dad because it's so hard for me to give the scene my undivided attention and I clearly don't play for long enough intervals to satisfy them.

Any tips? They're an only child and i try to deflect and go outside or suggest books or arts and crafts but once again that makes me feel like I'm telling them what to play instead of playing with them.

I am looking for advice however i will say now that just powering through and playing with the dang toys works sometimes but not nearly as often as I'd like

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[–] LeeeroooyJeeenkiiins@hexbear.net 4 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

I don't have kids or know how to talk to kids or play with toys and whatnot but I would suggest trying to learn from what your kid does, like see what they enjoy doing with the toys and just do more of that

And don't feel like a terrible parent for not engaging your kid the right way. As long as you're being kind and you're paying attention to them you're a good parent. They'll remember having fun with you, not the specific shit you play