Is it normal to hate playing with your child?
Yes—many parents dislike playing with their kids, especially repetitive pretend play, and it doesn’t mean you love them any less. You can connect in ways you both enjoy instead.
A lot of adults find kid games boring, loud, or weirdly demanding. You can adore your child and still not want to play dinosaurs for the 400th time. Parents vary, too: some genuinely enjoy play, while others prefer reading together, going for a walk, cooking, building something, or just chatting side by side.
You don’t have to be your child’s full-time playmate. Try setting a little timer for focused play, then suggest an activity you like as well. If you dislike nearly every interaction, feel persistently resentful, or feel like you’re struggling to care for your child, it may help to talk with someone you trust or a professional for support.