Both my husband and I did not want to buy Kyleigh any dolls. I realize it might sound silly in some people's eyes, but that's our joint decision. My reason for this is that I wanted Kyleigh to prefer animals from playing with stuffed animals, so that she would grow up to be an animal lover. Besides, I think the dolls these days are too "dressed-up". They have way too many make-ups and fancy clothes. I don't want Kyleigh to think that she has to be like that. My husband's reason as simpler - he just doesn't want her to be "too girly".
So our house has been doll-free for about a year. Then, Kyleigh received two dolls during her first Christmas from her grandma and her aunt and uncle. We appreciated the gifts and thoughts, but we decided to tuck the dolls away in the closet so we could stick to our no-doll policy.
Recently we took Kyleigh to look at a potential daycare facility. While my mom and I talked to the daycare provider, Kyleigh was playing with the toys there, which included a few Dora dolls. Kyleigh showed a strong interest in them, and she looked disappointed when another girl grabbed the dolls away. I thought she would forget about it soon.
When we got home, Kyleigh looked somewhat unhappy. My mom suggested that we need to buy some dolls. So I finally pulled the dolls out of the closet. Kyleigh was very excited and embraced the baby doll right away.
I was a little disappointed, because she seemed to lose some interest in the stuffed animals now. She does not get as affectionate with Alan (the stuffed dog on the left of my icon), and she hasn't really been playing with the other stuffed animals. She still sleeps with her pink hoodie bear and a Dalmatian beanie, though.
I really don't understand why babies like to play with baby dolls. I don't like dolls myself. (But my mom said it was not true. She said I had tons of dolls when I was a baby, and I loved and played with them so much that they all fell apart from excessive wear and tear. I don't remember any of that.)
Anyway, my attempt to influence her toy preference has failed, and the no-doll policy is officially overruled. What is really important is for Kyleigh to be happy. If she wants to play with dolls, so be it. I will try other ways to make sure she grows up to be an animal lover.
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Comments: 16
I appreciate your reasons for attempting to be doll free. At some point, do you plan on introducing "boy" toys too? Maybe cars?
Alison - You are very right! I didn't think about that.... Even Kyleigh's favorite Hoodie bear is dressed up in a pink hoodie..... But at least the bear doesn't have any makeup!
My daughter wants to be a NASCAR driver when she grows up...and my son is leaning more towards a chef...she's 11 and he's 14.
Let her explore and learn what she likes instead of influencing her like you said to only one type of toy.
If you want her to love animals then you will need to get her pets - not stuffed animals. Suffed animals are just another form of doll.
None of us are "one-sided" when we are adults and neither are the little ones. I agree that some of the dolls may be a little too grown up looking, but there are other plain baby dolls that are cute and would look just like her or one of her friends. Just let Kyleigh have fun and relax. She will change her preferences from minute to minute and day to day.