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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To take this approach to parenting a toddler?

207 replies

Judinle · 16/09/2024 06:59

DS is two. Since I went back to work when he was one, the three days he has at home (not at nursery) are always out of the house. We have a couple of hours eating breakfast and getting ready and then we shoot off somewhere… National trust, park, shopping centre, out for lunch, walk, swimming… whatever.

Recently I’ve noticed other mums commenting that I’m ’always out’ and ‘doesn’t ds ever have time at home.’ I would say once a week but not every week there may be one afternoon of a couple of hours where he’s at home but usually I get back right before dinner so again it’s dinner bath and bed with maybe 30 mins playing around that. Am I doing something wrong here? The reason I go out is I find it less stressful than at home. The idea of a day at home with him terrifies me a bit! Is this approach bad for him?

OP posts:
Judinle · 16/09/2024 07:07

@ShoopShoopShoopShoop he will happily play himself while I do dinner etc but it’s only 30-45 mins. I am exhausted but I just can’t stand being indoors with a toddler!

OP posts:
ShoopShoopShoopShoop · 16/09/2024 07:06

Judinle · 16/09/2024 07:04

Thanks @TeenToTwenties . He is really good with independent play when I’m getting ready in the mornings etc but it’s 45 mins max and then again in the evening. I just feel so stressed at home and so bored that I like to leave.

When do you do things like cook dinner, laundry, mow the grass etc if you're out all day every day?

Judinle · 16/09/2024 07:06

@Josette77 either at home then I go out again when he wakes or in the car if we are still out. He doesn’t always nap though

OP posts:
ShoopShoopShoopShoop · 16/09/2024 07:05

Sounds dreadful, aren't you both permanently exhausted?

You don't have to be out ALL day. Go out each day, sure. But chill a bit.

Go to the park for a bit, then come home a D let him potter for a bit. It will help you a LOT of he learns how to play by himself. DS is now 4 and a half and is happy to play with his toys by himself for around 45-60 minutes and means I can crack on with making dinner, read, laundry etc.

Josette77 · 16/09/2024 07:04

I took ds out everyday but we were usually home for 2 pm nap time/ quiet time.

When does he nap?

Judinle · 16/09/2024 07:04

Thanks @TeenToTwenties . He is really good with independent play when I’m getting ready in the mornings etc but it’s 45 mins max and then again in the evening. I just feel so stressed at home and so bored that I like to leave.

OP posts:
TeenToTwenties · 16/09/2024 07:02

It does mean he has no unstructured time at home to potter/play. Nursery is full of other children, so he may not develop skills to occupy himself alone?

But better than hours in front of a screen.