Help. I don't want to play with Barbie or Paw Patrol

Yes, I felt the same about playing dinosaurs with 3 year old Gds. So distractions were needed after about 10 minutes, let’s go to the park, or make some fairy cakes. That was always popular, albeit invariably on the messy side.

Oh I used to love this age when I could play Barbie’s or Lego or ‘pretend’ anything sit under the table with a a sheet over it Hide and seek all over the house
When they got to about 5 I used to have to sit still while they styled my hair I used to have to pretend having it washed and
I d end up with pegs, curlers elastic bands and bunches all over the place kept them busy for ages I used to think we d had a very successful day even if my hair was pulled and tugged into all sort of shapes
She’s very young and going through a phase she wants company I d suggest that you play with her and enjoy it it’s gone in a flash My are all grown up and flown I d love to be back playing Barbies again

I'm going to try to offer advice without teaching a granny to suck eggs .

I had two younger siblings so we usually played together but I had an only child and my step-son has one daughter who is now 6 years old. As you probably know, at around 3 kids start to have opinions and learn to play "pretend" so their toys become very important to them. My step-granddaughter became obsessed with Paw Patrol and Peppa we spent what seemed like hours playing with the figures and the vehicles. My son was the same, he would spend a long time playing "shops" with coins and his toys - I was the customer and he was the shopkeeper. Sometimes I would have to put a time limit on this because it seemed to last forever!

Role playing is important at this age, so I would advise spending more than 10 - 15 minutes on this as it develops their conversation and thinking skills. If she is asking you to play, she wants you to join in, like a playmate, so make the most of it. If she sees you take an interest in what she likes, she'll be more inclined to do other things with you too such as cooking and reading because she'll know you're taking an interest in what she likes. It can be boring sometimes but you'll reap the rewards.

I hope this helps.

I’m not great at playing with small children so I understand how you feel. Some children do want adult interaction though. I’ve found that a sand egg timer is a handy tool for coming to a compromise. The child can see the amount of time left (you can get sets that have various timings on them) and hopefully she’ll learnt to enjoy the allocated time before you need to go and do whatever is calling to be done.

She’s only 3 and for just one day a week, I’d play with whatever she asks. I think it’s too soon to expect her to be fully engrossed in playing on her own.
When I had weekends with DGS1, everything else was set aside and I gave him 100% of my attention. It wasn’t a lot to ask.

Children are adorable at that age. However, if you hate playing with Barbie etc., then I suggest you carry on as you are, ie playing for a while, then doing something else. Your granddaughter needs to learn to amuse herself some of the time. If she doesn’t, the whole family will be held to ransom. The trouble is, you may encourage her to play alone for short periods, but I expect her parents will carry on as they always have.
Like you, I wasn’t a fan of the things your granddaughter wants to do, so after doing her choice of play for a reasonable time, I did tempt her into doing other things.
Sounds to me like you are doing a good job, playing with her, taking her out etc. The only other thing I would say is, she will grow quickly and this won’t be a problem for ever. Make the most of it. My beloved granddaughter is now 23 and I would give a lot for her to be three again, although I remember wishing she was older at the time! There’s no pleasing us sometimes, is there?

I’m exhausted just reading about how much you do! Have you tried sitting with her to watch a tv programme or dvd? That way you’re still involved and interacting with her, but it’s a bit of a break and less taxing on you?

Kate1949

She is not yet 3. She wants to play. Play with her. Relax when she's gone home.

Yes, this. At that age, you just go with the flow...

Some children are happy to play independently from a very young age, others require interaction from an adult. I had one of each. My sympathy, however I think you are right to put limits on it. Ignore the tantrums and keep on going the way you are

She is not yet 3. She wants to play. Play with her. Relax when she's gone home.