[jansan]

Having two teenage boys I cannot confirm this. They play with other stuff, but Lego is for building once and putting it on a shelf, where it will collect thick layers of dust. My sons never really played with Lego, which I found a bit disappointing.

[Navarr]

I wouldn't say that it stifles creativity, but expands LEGO to people who don't want to be creative with it.

You can treat it as a fun 3D Puzzle with step-by-step, or you can do whatever you want with it.

Neither way is particularly "wrong"

[jansan]

It is not wrong, but it does not force the kids to be creative in a way it used to.

I would rather buy some wooden trains and rails if my kids where young now.

[w0m]

you can always buy generic builder-part sets; they still sell them. Simply don't buy the overpriced kits.

[WillAdams]

Is it an option to get them:

https://www.brickgun.com/

esp.

https://www.brickgun.com/Models/MAC-11_RB/BrickGun_MAC-11_RB...

I bought two of those last Christmas, one for me, the other for the son of a co-worker --- mine is currently out on loan to the parent to practice with so as to be able to keep up with the child (and if need be, as a source of parts if any are missing).

[jacquesm]

You're free to take them apart and start making stuff with them. I'm pretty sure your kids would join in, mine certainly did. Sets should not be seen as holy and giving them a prominent display spot may be the wrong thing to do. For a week, sure, after that it's parts :)

[pbhjpbhj]

Oh no my friend, this is not allowed - "Dad, don't touch it; why did you add that piece; you're ruining it" "but you're not using it, it was just sitting on the shelf...".

There's definitely a strong divergence. In part, for us I think it's driven by poverty, they want "the nice thing" to look at (all our own models are necessarily colour-mismatched). But I know others who have rooms full of prestige sets that are 'not to be touched'!

Many on HN will be tinkerers who will take anything apart, that probably makes a difference too.