Dolls have played a huge part of childhood for a lot of us - they were our first friends, confidants, and teachers. For many of us, they were also our first love. But as we grow up, our relationship with dolls changes. So, at what age do children stop playing with dolls?
Some kids may lose interest in dolls around the age of 5 or 6, while others may continue to play with them into their pre-teen years.
There really isn't a "magic age" at which all children suddenly stop playing with dolls - it varies from child to child.
A Brief History Of Dolls
The use of dolls as toys for children is nothing new - in fact, dolls have been around for centuries since ancient-civilisation times, with roots in Egypt, Rome, and Greece.
Originally, they were used as teaching tools to help children learn about the world around them.
Over time, dolls began to be used more for entertainment purposes, and their popularity grew.
Today, dolls come in all shapes and sizes, and there is a doll for every child out there.
Dolls can be simple or elaborate, expensive or affordable - the possibilities are endless.
Why Do Children Play With Dolls?
Dolls offer children a way to express themselves and their imaginations. They provide a blank canvas for kids to create whatever story they want, without any limitations.
For some kids, dolls also serve as a way to process and make sense of the world around them.
Are Dolls Educational?
From a young age, children learn best through play. Dolls can help teach children essential life skills such as caring, sharing, and empathy. Dolls can also help promote cognitive development, problem-solving skills, and early literacy skills.
By playing with dolls, children can experiment with different emotions and situations, without having to experience them firsthand.
This can be especially helpful for kids who are shy or have a hard time socialising with their peers.
What Kind Of Doll Should I Buy My Child?
As mentioned earlier, there are all sorts of different dolls on the market these days - so choosing the right one for your child can be tricky.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:
- Age appropriateness is key - choose a doll that is appropriate for your child's age.
- The type of doll should reflect your child's interests and personality.
- If your child is into dress-up and pretend play, then dolls with lots of clothes and accessories would be a good choice.
- If your child is more interested in building and creating, then construction or arts and crafts doll might be a better fit.
- Think about the size of the doll - if you have a small child, opt for a smaller doll that is easy to hold and carry around.
- Consider the price tag - you don't have to break the bank to buy your child a good quality doll.
The absolute best way to determine which doll is right for your child is by asking them what they are interested in.
When Do Children Stop Playing With Dolls?
As mentioned earlier, there really is no right or wrong answer to this question - every child is different, and will approach doll play in their own unique way.
That being said, there are a few factors that may influence when a child stops playing with dolls:
As children grow older, they become more interested in activities that are geared towards their age group. This may include sports, video games, and other hobbies that older kids typically enjoy.
Additionally, as children enter puberty, they often start to distance themselves from childhood activities and toys - including dolls.
Once they get to school age, most children have less time to play and experiment with dolls, and are required to focus on other things.
Also, being around their peers and getting daily insight into their classmates' lives, children may start to see dolls as babyish or "uncool". Although they may not be ready to give them up altogether, they may start to play with dolls less and less.
Most likely, doll/toy play will be phased out gradually as children enter their pre-teen years and replaced by electronics (gadgets, computers, tablets, phones, etc).
This is perfectly normal, and is simply a part of growing up.
Is It Ok For Boys To Play With Dolls?
For many years, dolls were seen as being "for girls only" and has proven to be a concept that has been incredibly difficult to shake...
There was a very clear split down the middle: Dolls were for girls and cars/weapons were for boys, however, this idea is, thankfully becoming increasingly outdated.
Nowadays, dolls are popular with boys, too - in fact, studies have shown that doll play can actually benefit boys in a number of ways.
Boys who play with dolls are more likely to be empathetic and have better social skills than those who don't.
Boys can benefit from doll play just as much as girls, and it's a great way for them to express their creativity and imagination.
How Do I Know If My Child Is Ready To Stop Playing With Dolls?
Every child is different, and there is no set age at which all children stop playing with dolls. However, there are some signs that your child may be ready to move on from doll play:
If your child is no longer showing interest in their dolls, this may be a sign that they are ready to move on to other toys.
Another sign that your child may be ready to stop playing with dolls is if they start using them in more creative ways, such as pretending to cook or taking them on adventures.
If your child is displaying any of the signs above, it may be time to start thinking about transitioning them to other toys and activities.
Wrapping Up:
Dolls are a staple of childhood for a lot of us, and they are enjoyed by children of all ages. There is no one "magic age" at which all children stop playing with dolls - it varies from child to child.
Dolls offer children a way to express themselves and their imaginations, and they can also help promote cognitive development and early literacy skills.
As children grow older, they may lose interest in dolls as they begin to focus on activities that are more geared towards their age group. This is perfectly normal and is simply a part of growing up.
If you're concerned that your child may be ready to stop playing with dolls, look for signs such as a loss of interest or increased use of imagination when playing.
Most importantly, remember that every child is different, and there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to doll play. Let your child play in their own unique way, and they will naturally move on when the time is right.
What are your thoughts?
Let us know in the comments!
FAQs
Is it normal for a 12 year old to play with dolls? ›
YES, it's totally normal to play with dolls at age 12, or even older. My American Girl doll was my favorite thing I owned at your age! It's wonderful that you are full of self-esteem and pursue what you enjoy.
Do 7 year olds still play with dolls? ›How 6- to 7-Year-Olds Play. Your child is gradually developing their own interests now, but is still influenced by their teachers and peers. Some kids like doing science experiments (with help); others love painting crafts, making beaded jewelry, or playing with dolls.
Do 12 year olds still play with toys? ›If a child still wants to play with toys as they move into adolescence, it is totally normal and to be celebrated! Unless a child's play is affecting or replacing real-life friendships, there is no need to worry.
Is it normal for a 14 year old to play with dolls? ›It is perfectly normal for your daughter to enjoy dolls at 14, or at any age really. No, you should not be worrying.
Is it normal to still play with dolls at 13? ›As experts would tell you, there is no age limit for dolls. It may seem unusual in this day and age, but several 12-year-olds still play with dolls. And in a world where the internet is widespread, this may be a good thing.
Is it normal for a 10 year old to play pretend? ›Pretend play is a healthy part of every child's social, emotional, and cognitive development and should not be feared by parents or educators.
Is it normal for a 10 year old boy to play with dolls? ›Pollack stresses that a boy playing with dolls is "absolutely normal." And even if the boy would rather play with Barbie over GI Joe regularly, it's still normal.
Do 8 year olds play with doll houses? ›What is a good age for a dollhouse? We find that dollhouse play aligns best with the developmental needs and play preferences of kids ages 3 - 9. At these ages, kids love to engage in imaginative and pretend play and act out social scenarios.
What should my 7 year old be playing with? ›Enjoy large-muscle activities like jump rope, bike riding, roller blading, ball games and hopscotch. Also enjoy fine motor activities like drawing, braiding, cutting, jigsaw puzzles, weaving, wood work and simple sewing. Make use of reading, writing and simple math in games and toys.
Are adults too old to play with toys? ›It's perfectly okay. It's your way of having fun. It would be advisable to keep it to yourself because not many people think that adults should play with toys.
Do 10 year olds still like toys? ›
Ten-year-olds fall into that notoriously tough-to-shop-for tween category, but there are still tons of toy options that will positively delight them (and plenty that they won't realize are educational). At this social age, they're learning to be more strategic and problem-solve.
What age do girls like dolls? ›Many kids develop an interest in dolls between the ages of 1 and 4, Dr. White says.
Can a 15 year old play with dolls? ›It's completely normal for a 15 year old to play with dolls.
It's good in fact. It teaches them about social skills, emotions, being imaginative and creative and she seems to be enjoying it if she still does it.
18-24 months: Toddlers begin to enjoy playing "pretend." This is the time to introduce dress-up clothing, dolls, kitchen sets, and toy cars, trucks, and school buses.
Is it OK to play with dolls at 16? ›Is it normal for me to still play with dolls? YES, it's totally normal to play with dolls at age 12, or even older.
Is 12 too old for toys? ›Puberty or not puberty, however,yes, playing with toys at 12 is completely normal. Most little boys-and little girls— of that age play with them. There is not an age at which, if you are still interested in toys, this is 'not normal ',though. There are many adults who still enjoy them.
Is it normal to play with dolls at 20? ›Many adults still play with dolls. Sometimes the dolls are called puppets. Sometimes adults make their living playing with puppets.
What Should 10 year olds not do? ›- Having unrestricted Internet access. ...
- Drinking diet drinks. ...
- Drinking sugary drinks. ...
- Sitting for hours on end. ...
- Watching PG-13 and R-rated entertainment. ...
- Using social media (Facebook/Twitter) or texting. ...
- Wearing provocative clothing. ...
- Playing teen-rated or mature-rated video games.
Sometimes, what looks like immaturity may have a different cause. Early signs of ADHD, some learning disabilities, anxiety, and autism can be mistaken for immaturity. Behaviors that seem extreme, or that don't fade over time, mean it's time to talk to your child's pediatrician or a clinician.
What age does manipulative play start? ›At 6 to 7 months, children are sitting independently, which provides them with greater visual capacities for grasping objects or bringing objects to midline for exploration. They can manipulate objects more readily, though their fine-motor coordination is still rudimentary.
Should you let boys play with dolls? ›
Experts agree that doll play is as helpful for boys, as it is for girls as they too need to develop the same emotional skills as girls and often are deprived of that sort of emotional exploration. Boys can benefit from self-expression facilitated by doll play especially with more diverse representation among dolls.
Do 11 year olds play with toys? ›By the time they reach 11 years old, kids are fully into their tween years. That means they're changing by the day: sometimes, they still want cool toys, STEM sets and other playthings, and sometimes they want more grown-up tech products, fidget toys, outdoor gear and other teenage gifts.
Do 8 year olds still play pretend? ›For 8-year-olds, dramatic play continues but often more informally than in earlier years. As children grow through this stage, dramatic play more often becomes something they do by themselves (such as with toys).
Is 8 too old for a soft play party? ›It depends on the soft play area - some are more aimed at older children whereas others are more targeted at pre-school/younger school age. DS is 8 and he's pretty much done. DS is 9 and still loves it. Due to his SN he does seem quite young for his age; I expect Some of his peers might be over it.
Should a 7 year old be able to shower themselves? ›Around age 6, your child can shower alone, as long as you are nearby in case he needs help. Until then, make sure you keep an eye on him when he is in the shower.
What is normal 7yr old behavior? ›Social, Emotional
From ages 6 to 8, kids are getting more and more independent from their parents. They will try to show how big they are, and do things that might be dangerous. Peer acceptance becomes more important than before in the early school years. They are learning to cooperate and share.
- Sort laundry.
- Sweep floors.
- Set and clear table.
- Help make and pack lunch.
- Weed and rake leaves.
- Keep bedroom tidy.
To Remind Them Of Childhood
Furthermore, feelings of nostalgia typically make us happier.
Think age appropriate
If your youngest child is 3 and you aren't planning on having any others (the best laid plans…) then it's a great time to get rid of toys for babies and young toddlers.
And honestly, for many adults who enjoy playing with toys, regardless of the size of those toys, it is because it brings them some happiness and relaxation. It is a few moments of joy, relaxation, escape from the daily dreariness, etc.
At what age do girls stop playing with dolls? ›
So, at what age do children stop playing with dolls? Some kids may lose interest in dolls around the age of 5 or 6, while others may continue to play with them into their pre-teen years. There really isn't a "magic age" at which all children suddenly stop playing with dolls - it varies from child to child.
At what age do children stop believing in Santa? ›A study from 1978 found that about 85 percent of young American kids believe in Santa, and researchers today confirm those numbers still hold true, with many kids believing until about age eight.
How many toys should a 11 year old have? ›It's important not to overwhelm the play space with toys. As an approximate guide, try to keep the number of toys immediately available to under 4 for a premobile child, under 8 for a crawling child, and under 12 for a toddler, depending on the size of the space and number of parts to each toy.
Is it OK for girls to play with dolls? ›Don't think of toys as being gender-specific, but as developmentally appropriate for the child. Playing with toys such as dolls or kitchens can lead children to use their imaginations while developing their social, emotional and language skills.
Is 7 too old for a baby doll? ›Childhood is short enough! Definitely not too old for dolls. My 7yr old LOVES her dolls.
Why do adults have baby dolls? ›Some consumers of reborn dolls use them to cope with their grief over a lost child (a memory reborn), or as a portrait doll of a grown child. Others collect reborns as they would regular dolls. These dolls are sometimes played with as if they are an infant.
What rules should a 15 year old have? ›- You will have a curfew. ...
- You will limit your screen/social media time. ...
- Everyone at home has chores. ...
- Abide by the Golden Rule. ...
- Remember not to take trust for granted.
Children play from the moment they are born. Play is how they learn about themselves and their world. It is how they develop and practice the physical, thinking and social skills needed in life.
Is playing with dolls healthy? ›Playing with dolls encourages children to talk more about others' thoughts and emotions, a study has found. The research suggests that playing imaginary games with dolls could help children develop social skills, theory of mind and empathy.
Should I let my daughter play with dolls? ›Doll play has benefits for girls and boys
Dolls can also help children learn social skills and develop empathy, Ms Lee says, and can even help them prepare to welcome a new sibling.
What age is appropriate for playing with dolls? ›
18-24 months: Toddlers begin to enjoy playing "pretend." This is the time to introduce dress-up clothing, dolls, kitchen sets, and toy cars, trucks, and school buses.
What age is normal to play with dolls? ›From around 2 years of age, toddlers often begin to play with dolls.
What age is appropriate for dolls? ›When Should I Introduce Dolls to my Baby? Once an infant can hold and manipulate objects, you can introduce a soft doll (with no hard eyes or other small parts that could pose a choking hazard), DeLapp says. Many kids develop an interest in dolls between the ages of 1 and 4, Dr. White says.
Is it normal for a 4 year old boy to play with dolls? ›Pollack stresses that a boy playing with dolls is "absolutely normal." And even if the boy would rather play with Barbie over GI Joe regularly, it's still normal.
What age does pretend play stop? ›Learning through pretend play
This can stretch through age seven or even longer for what Lapointe calls “sensitive or intense” children. “This is how kids make sense of their world when they don't have access to a lot of high-level emotion language.
As for how that translates to the way they play, Kristin Morency Goldman, a senior editor at the Toy Association, explains that “kids around 10 years old are already playing independently” and that many are into collecting toys as much as they are into playing with them.
How many toys should a 10 year old have? ›Stick to buying no more than 6-11 toys for your child each year. Cap your annual toy spending per child to $100-400. Stop getting toys for your kid when they're 12-15 years old.