Please or to access all these features

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To admit my older child is missing out

126 replies

fwel · 10/12/2024 17:27

No idea what to do about it.

Two children, age 4 (starts school next year) and eighteen months.

The 18 month old is so full on, has to be carried everywhere, follows me around whingeing and crying if I don’t, grabs me so I can’t move. She takes so much time and space and energy there’s nothing left for the 4 year old.

I feel so guilty. I watch friends with same age children actually spending quality time with them, teaching them things. Mine is borderline ignored.

OP posts:
Porkyporkchop · 10/12/2024 17:32

You need to start being firm with the 18 month old, they shouldn’t be picked up and carried all the time now but encourage some independent play. I would also include them in games with the 4 year old too, things you can all play together to help them bond. You don’t want your 4 year old growing up resentful.