It's Normal to Play with Dolls: Embracing Innocence and Creativity

Many of us have fond memories of playing with dolls during our childhood. It's a counterintuitive but little-known fact that even older individuals, including adults, can and do find joy and solace in playing with dolls. Long past the age when it might be socially expected to outgrow such activities, there are those who still delight in the innocence and creativity that dolls can provide.

Is It Normal to Want to Play with Dolls at 13?

The question of whether it is normal to want to play with dolls as a 13-year-old is a complex one. While societal expectations often push teenagers toward more serious pursuits, many are still captivated by the world of dolls. One reader, reflecting on personal experience, shared that they put their dolls in a box when they were around 8 years old, feeling that they were behind in growing up and wanted to fit in. However, as they aged, they revisited their desire to play with dolls, finding that it was not only innocent but also a creative outlet that surpassed many other forms of entertainment, especially those found online.

Personal Reflections on Doll Play

One individual shared a deeply personal story. When she was 13, her mother took away her Barbie dolls, deeming them too childish. As she entered her 30s, she bought some dolls and started playing with them again. Now in her 60s, she has even taken up the hobby of repainting doll faces and giving them new hair. Her ultimate goal is to create a line of dolls based on her original designs, a desire that echoes a deep-seated love for imagination and creativity. For her, and for many others who share similar sentiments, playing with dolls is not only a form of playfulness but also a way to cope with stress and unleash creativity.

Adult Doll Play: Sensible and Beneficial

Another contributor believed that it was entirely normal for adults to enjoy playing with Barbie dolls or any other type of dolls. Whether playing alone or with children, or even in a more intimate setting, participation in doll play was seen as not only innocent but also enriching. This person suggested that others should embrace their love for dolls without fear of judgment. In fact, they recommended that one should find other kids to play with them, further emphasizing the communal and creative benefits of doll play.

Personal Experiences and Insights

Reflecting on their own past, another contributor shared a nostalgic anecdote. Like many children, they played with GI Joe action figures, often engaging in imaginative scenarios where the figures were placed in a shoebox-turned-car for adventurous rides. Although most kids discard their toys as they grow, they realized that some toys, like dolls and action figures, are imbued with a unique kind of nostalgia that transcends age. The joy and creativity associated with playing with dolls and other toys remains a cherished and untarnished piece of childhood. As long as one follows their inner curiosity and imagination, there is no reason to feel out of place in the world of play.

Conclusion

In a world that often pressures individuals to grow up quickly and move on from playing, doll play remains a cherished and normative activity for many people, regardless of age. It is a source of innocence, creativity, and self-expression. Whether you choose to play with dolls alone or with others, embracing this form of play can be incredibly fulfilling and enriching.

If you have any further questions or would like to express your thoughts, feel free to share in the comments section below. Your insights and experiences are invaluable in understanding the broader spectrum of human experiences with toys and play.