Is BJD really just for adults? And adults, what do you think of kids who like them?

It's odd to hear people ask if BJDs are for "kids" because there's still the stereotype that dolls are only for children--regardless of how much they cost. One of my coworkers collects figurines, and he's seen as "immature" because he has a room full of all kinds of action figures, limited collectibles, and the like. He's 45 and he "plays will dolls." My mother thinks it's weird that I own a BJD because she sees any kind of doll or figurine as "something for kids." So it's ironic to sit here and ask, "Are dolls for kids?"

I don't think it depends on age so much as it depends on maturity. If you're mature enough to take care of a BJD, then you should be able to own one regardless of your age. People buy BJDs for their children as a way of encouraging responsibility--saving for it, learning to care for it, making clothes and such for it, etc. I don't see a problem with that. Adults may have more disposable income, but that's not to say that young people won't be inclined to save their allowance or summer job income to buy a doll, or even that they shouldn't.

 

I'm of a mixed opinion. I think it's awsome that there are younger collectors, and that the hobby appeals to so many. But as an older adult I feel there are elements of the community (not the hobby) that has content that may be a bit more mature for your average tween age 11 year old kid. And this is such a large hobby, that there are people who are not the 'healthiest' folks for a minor to be around. I'm a parent and I don't think I'd want my (eventual) tween on here unsupervised because of some of the mature subjects that can come up (suicide, murder, rape, cutting, etc). But i'm all for minor or PG forums, or minor collectors.
Also as an adult I'm more comfortable interacting with young minors who's parent/guardian/older sibs are also in the hobby. Because honestly I'd seriously question the intents of some 30 year old befriending someone elses 12 year old kid.

 

If one has no babysitter to watch one's child while one goes to an adult participating club then one should consider staying home than subjecting other adults to one's child.
IMO: BJDs are not for children, unless the parent wishes it so and keeps it within his or her own family or group and does not interfere with the rights of other adults in a club intended for adults and respect children of parents who do not wish their children to be exposed to BJDs.[/QUOTE]

I agree with a little of what you're saying but not with this. If a meet up is for adults only it should say so in the details. And that rule should be respected. But if it's held in a public location then any parent has the right to take their child. You shouldn't assume that every parent shares your same morals or parenting style. For example at a pony birthday party my husband overheard my 7 year old explaining to the birthday girl how to tell a boy pony from a girl pony. Some parents might have found that horrifying to their sensibilities, but when my husband told me I was more concerned that she got it right than that they were talking the birds and the bees.
Also not every child is a little terror, oh sure some are but I've met more groddy adults in the hobby than kids.

 

oh wow.. i have somewhat mixed feelings on this...

when i was 13 i could barely take care of myself let alone my stuff. when i was younger, i trashed a lot of cds and things and i didn't really care. i didn't. then i got a JOB and bought my own stuff and i have to say that i take better care of everything i own.

i mean, i think it's great kids are being exposed to things of interest at an early age but at the same time i kinda resent them because i just assume every kid is like how i was, unruly and ungrateful. not only that but i was a poor kid. so i kinda hate at kids that don't get socks and underwear for Xmas/birthdays. i had never had anything nice so the first thing i bought with my first paycheck was a nds (the original). now i just buy a bunch of doll stuff...

but i prolly would've been a happier kid and not such a bitter berry now if i'da gotten an awesome doll for Xmas/birthday - i say that because i'm 21 on dec. 23rd. i know. happy birthday to me...

i'm sorry if i offend anyone for being somewhat ageist or lengthy in this response...

 

I'm an adult, but I don't have any problem with a teen having a doll, but any younger than 13 and I'd be worried for the doll. Not that there aren't responsible ten year olds, but I think they'd be better off with an American Girl than an extremly expensive BJD.

 

I don't have a problem with younger collectors. I don't even have mixed feelings about it. It's a hobby. But, as I remember growing up, I had hundreds of hobbies and loved collecting things. I used to collect wal-mart's Snow Flake teddy bears. I have only missed one year sice 1996. Two bears every year, now THAT adds up to a lot. They are now all stuffed in my closet because I have no place to put them. And I left about half of them in MA. I collected anime and Manga. I used to be overly obsessed with yaoi. I used to write fanfics, I used to do a lot of things. All hobbies so far I have grown out of. Except for sewing.

So yeah, I don't have any problems with younger doll owners. The only thing I would maybe worry about if I were a parent would be if my child grew out of hobbies really fast. Or got board with things easily.

 

I myself feel more comfortable around 16+ doll collectors, I will talk to younger ones or be friends with them etc. But I would rather not have anyone under 16 handling the dolls I own.

 

I personally won't even talk to anyone younger then 16. Nothing wrong with younger people. But I get less annoyed with older teens.

 

I dont think it has much to do with age in all honesty. I think it should be based on the maturity level of the person handeling a doll.

 

17 here and I would personally love to know more younger doll owners, give them advice and such, as long as they're responsible and have actually taken the time to learn the basic cares of bjd. I bet older members are thinking I'm one of those younger owners all depends on your age I guess.

 

The cost aspect and whether or not the doll was actually paid for by it's owner seems to coming up a lot here....

A few things on that.

Maybe I was just a spoiled kid. I was, I think... Not “rotten” really, but I was the youngest and the only girl so I was indulged quite a bit. But, to the point. There are many things parents will purchase for their children that they do not really need. Whether it be a new gaming system, a high end cell phone (really, all it has to be able to do is make calls and take incoming ones, right? Not browse the internet and offer state of the art mobile gaming.), an updated graphics card for their computer when all they really need the machine for is school work, even fashionable clothes fall into this... It's easy to target dolls as being an over indulgent waste of money when a parent buys one for a child that many hobbyists would target as being “too young” to really appreciate it. Though, I think many of the other things parents willing buy are more wasteful, all things considered!

And that's a completely different moral dilemma, isn't it? Being able to appreciate something and approach it with a certain amount of maturity have little to do with age. When I was young I was involved in hobbies that had strong adult followings and I cherished them all very much. Children are able to distinguish between plain old toys and objects of more value and substance, aren't they? If you are interested in a topic you tend to want to learn about it and to treat anything related to that topic with respect and care.

There seems to be a huge amount of fear about your stereotypical flighty, anime loving preteen getting a doll and TRASHING it because it's only an object and a status symbol to them. Sure, it has happened... But on the whole, most kids in that age group who get dolls do not do this. They may not be able to afford the best clothes or wigs once they have the doll and they may not have the means to take nice photos of it or what have you... But they love it in their own way and that's what matters really.

I feel that if I had been interested in dolls when I was thirteen or thereabouts my parents probably would have bought me one. Now that I can afford my own, I'd never ask my parents. I'm old enough to understand that they have a lot of financial obligations and can't throw money at my every desire. I have changed in many ways certainly but I don't look back at my childhood and think I was a bad kid for having parents that indulged me. Nor do I think it was wrong of me to dabble in hobbies that I may not be active in years later (though, some I am!). It's part of growing up and learning.

Maybe it's harder for some older collectors to tolerate because they grew up completely outside this. The typical view of how parents treated their children 30, 20, even 10 years ago is a lot different than how it is today, isn't it? That needs to be considered.

So do I think children should have ball jointed dolls if they want? It's clearly a case by case situation. Can they afford it? If they can, whose money is it really (probably their parents still!)? If they can't, will their parents cover the cost? Are the mature enough? And so on... Some dolls are better starting dolls than others, as stated previously in this thread... Smaller dolls and less expensive options, for instance. But by all means, no one should be excluded. When an age is stamped onto a package like “for ages 15 and up” that's a suggestion, not a rule.

 

Wow 2 years have passed and Lexie Ann you are no longer the baby here I would guess as I know lots of girls and boys too on here that are 13 as well. Anyway, since you made this post the BJD industry has changed and we couldn't say for sure BJD was for adults only. With Goodreau and others making Vinyl BJD or at least dolls more jointed it would at least be a more affordable way for kids to begin the love of BJD. In time as they felt more sure if this was for them, they could save up and buy the slightly more expensive dolls until as grown ups if they felt this still was a passion for them go as they please in the hobby. It's one of the few hobbies that your collection and or taste grows with you. Glad to see your still here and I am sure we shall see amny more join in as well.

 

Meh. Some 10-yr-olds take perfectly good care of extremely demanding animals such as horses, just as well as adults do. I realise dolls aren't a good comparison to horses (!), but kids can and do understand responsibility AND money issues ... the average 10-yr-old is unlikely to be buying their own expensive luxuries, but it doesn't mean they can't appreciate it and understand the factors involved. ^_^ It seems a bit odd to me to exclude children simply because they might not be able to afford the doll themselves.

 

Well, the BR Forum, where I also participate, have some girls with 13~14 years and I see no problems.
I think that children at this age (most girls than boys xD) can have the responsability of getting a BJD.

Less than 10 years I don't think it's good to give a BJD... well if you try to explain that the doll needs some attention 'cause she's a little delicate, maybe the child understand... maybe not. Even if the child gets what you've said, there are her/his friends that won't get it so easy and could destroy the BJD @_@ My little cousin with just 4 years like my Shuga, and I let him hold her and pose her, but he don't see nothing so special and he is very caution with her, 'cause I've said that to him, that she's kind delicate. On other side, my neighbour daughter has 7 years and I cannot let Shuga on her sight, 'cause she's kind destructive. Even with my My Little Pony and Barbies (ok, I'm 22, but if children can play with BJD, why can't I with Barbie? xD). She don't respect what you say =_= It's terrible... If I'm playing with Shuga and them she comes here... I run and hide Shuga in the highest place xD

Well... I play with "children toys" so I don't see any problem on children playing with "adult toys" (not THAT kind of adult, you know x_x). It depends of the children... If my little cousin desire to have a BJD, I know that he can take care of the doll really well ^^ But my neighbour's daughter... I don't think so @_@

That's it ._. I think some people already said something like this ._."

 

My friend is giving a doll to her 6 year old sister. Now before anyone freaks and starts that "I'm worried for the doll" crap, let me say this: You Do NOT know this little girl.

This kid, may that she is 6, is freakishly careful with these dolls. My friend lets her touch and play with her own dolls. This child is deaf and practically takes care of herself and knows how to handle other people's belongings as well as her own with care. She knows not to touch faces and to be gentle with hair. She doesn't do anything bad to them whatsoever. She really wants one for herself, so that she can play with us. Unlike my own sister who at that age would've ripped my dolls apart. =/

So her sister pooled some money together from everyone and bought her a BBB - Mei. A cheap 43cm doll that she pointed out that she really liked. We don't really care if she forgets about it a few years from now, she likes it and it's the one she wants, and Mei fits some cheap doll clothes that can be found at a Mom&Pop toy store near our houses.

Not every kid is a little terror, and we plan on letting her sister know that Mei isn't to leave the house. Maybe your experience has put you to where kids are dirty grubby little monsters that can't take care of anything they get their filthy little munchkin fingers on, but I've seen adults that act way worse. =/

Adults that after eating a nice plate greasy bbq ribs would reach right for doll's face, and push their hair out of its face or touch that precious limited outfit, or not apologize if they manhandle it, drop it etc. =/

As for that "I worry for the doll". . . -.- IT IS JUST PLASTIC. There is no soul there, it's just a piece of expensive plastic. I love my guys, I wouldn't leave them anywhere without my supervision, because I don't want my expensive plastic to break, chip or whatever because I worked hard to get my plastic, make it look pretty, and it would be really hard to replace, but if someone else bought it WTF is there to worry about if they give it to their 121 year old grandma's cousin or the 4 year old next door?

I'm more than sure all of us can judge a good situation from a bad one. There are plenty of 36 year olds that you wouldn't let within 20 feet of your dolls and there are plenty of kids 10 or younger that you probably wouldn't mind letting them close to the table to admire. Some of us just haven't had the opportunity to see the decent ones, outside of the bad examples. Besides, the bad examples are the ones that set the stereotype for any group of people, anyway. =/

 

I know the meetups I go to around my area are not that formal--there are no specific rules. They are informal get togethers for doll people rather than a more organized club.

I consider this hobby geared towards adults. But that doesn't mean kids can't or shouldn't be involved. There are a lot of aspects of this hobby that I think are very positive (anything that promotes creativity gets a big thumbs up from me) for younger folks. Like a lot of things in life, it really comes down to the individual. Some kids are very careful and trustworthy with items that are more fragile, while others aren't. Some are more mature and are likely to do perfectly fine at doll meetups and some aren't. It just depends--and some adults are less than trustworthy themselves

As long as kids have appropriate adult supervision, I just don't see that much of an issue. Yes, dolls are anatomically correct, but so are we all and kids are perfectly aware of that (nudity doesn't equal sex, people). Yes, dolls are expensive, but even if a child can't save up for one by themselves, it doesn't necessarily follow that they won't be able to appreciate it. Yes, they can be fragile, but how much of a problem it is depends on the child and there are a lot of sturdier options out there. I think as long as the adult in the situation is knowledgeable enough about what their young kid is getting into so they can help steer them clear of those things that are adult in nature and help them learn to care for the doll then everything should be fine and dandy.

I do agree with this assessment, and as an adult I want there to be room for some of the more mature subject matter too (that's probably my one big hangup in connection to all of this). However, I think this is where adult supervision comes in. Hopefully young kids have someone that's supportive of their hobby and who can watch out for them in on-line or social situations.

 

My doctor wanted to get a BJD for his seven? year old but decided against it due to the anatomical correctness of a BJD.

But I think like the Yo sized ones that are gender neutral would be perfectly fine for a younger person if that was a concern.

I wouldn't mind getting say my 12 year old a BBB Isabella if she wanted but I wouldn't be giving her a Volks "mature" doll or anything of that sort until she was older.

But if she's a little terror...not only does she not get a doll...she sure wouldn't be allowed near mine

 

I'm 14, and in some way in does kinda intimidate me. Seeing that these dolls are so expensive, and very few young people our ages collect them, and being in a place were so many people that are older than you, who know what they are talking about when it comes to BJDs scares me, yes, it does. I know their are alot more people then it may seem who are maybe 12,13,14 and so who have BJDs and know what they are doing!

 

My 3 1/2 year old loves my little Lati Green and she treats her with the utmost respect and is loving and caring towards her.
I get the impression that most BJD collectors would freak out at letting a little one play, but I will admit it is always supervised play!
I remember when I was a kid there was always some kids that trashed their toys and books and didn't look after their toys, then there where the kids that lovinly placed there toys back where they came from and put books back on the shelves. Kids just need to be shown how to treat things, especially things that belong to other people with respect.

Zoe

 

I'm 15 and have just discovered these dolls. I've always been very careful with my stuff and I'm saving up my own money for my doll.
Honestly I think its kind of silly that some adults freak out and avoid teens or tweens, they should give us all a chance because some of us aren't so bad.

The dolls though intimidated me at first because they are anatomically correct, but I got thinking about it and it didn't bother me as much as it did before. My friends are very immature though so I wouldn't tell them or let them start yankin down his pants anytime soon.