Is It Wrong for an Adult to Play with Toys?

Dear Papa Bear,

I'm a 32/15 year old Lion by now (two fursonas, one is 15 and behaves like 6) and I suffer from some psychological/mental problems..

Some years ago I fulfilled my biggest childhood dream and imported an electric toy ride on quad to Germany. I ever wanted one as child, but parents said I was too big for it. Twenty years later I proved they are wrong.

The problem I have is I'm jealous of kids that get attention when riding their toys. When a child is driving his toy quad or other thing, people come and say nice things like "Hey, I'm sure you are going to be a famous racecar driver when you're grown up," or simply "You’re great at riding it" or similar things. And they come and take pictures because the kids are so cute, but there are NO pics with me. I wish I would get that kind of attention, too. I'm a big kid, but on me people are sometimes laughing, or children ask me if they can have a ride. They don't know toys like this in Germany, so it's a novelty seeing this and they want to try it. But why I should let them go? Nobody lets ME try his toy, then why should I? As soon as the kids go with it around, they come again and applaud. But when I ride I'm a "retarded." "Look, that one plays with children’s toys. He has to suffer from some mental issues." YEAH, I DO. It’s not only when I’m with my quad; I also collect and ride giant, inflatable toys. You may have heard or seen the wolves and huskies made by Puffypaws.

I wish I would be recognized as a great like upcoming quad champion by others like children do. I would also wear a race outfit even when it’s useless on a toy going only 7.5 miles. This is a video if you don’t know what I mean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuKZRD891VQ.

Thank you for your help, Papabear, and dear regards,


Max (age 32, Germany)
 
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Dear Max,
 
Papabear is sorry that there are adults out there making fun of you.  And it is especially rude and hateful of them to make fun of you because you have some mental health issues. For them to do that shows them to be ugly people who lack compassion and sensitivity.
 
Thank you for sharing that video with Papabear. I loved watching it, and it is so clear that you love riding your electric quad. I think it’s wonderful that you found something from which you get so much enjoyment. And it’s fine that you also enjoy big, inflatable toys.
 
I want to reassure you, Max, that you are NOT alone in being an adult who likes children’s toys. In fact, take a look at this article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/melissa-maypole/these-grownups-are-making_b_6179084.html. It is about adults who are actually earning a living by playing with children’s toys. So don’t feel bad about that. In fact, maybe you could follow the example of some of the people on the websites in that article and start your own YouTube channel? Hey, it’s worth a shot!
 
Other points I need to make: 1) If a child asks you if he can ride your quad, be a nice guy and let them. Just because someone else won’t let you ride their toy does not mean that you can’t be an unselfish person and share your toys. Be nice. 2) I know it hurts when people call you names and say you can’t do things. Don’t listen to them. As long as you are not hurting other people, you should do what you love to do. Enjoy your toys! 3) Being jealous of other kids because they are getting attention and you are not really only hurts yourself. Instead of being jealous, how about being a mentor to these kids? Being encouraging and helpful to others is a lot more satisfying than being selfish and jealous. Give it a try.
 
To summarize: Don’t let other people take away your joy, and don’t let other people define what you should do with your spare time. Having a hobby that you enjoy is a wonderful thing. Enjoy it for your own happiness! And don’t be jealous of other people’s happiness. Be happy for them.
 
Hugs,
Papabear