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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU to expect quieter after-school time for my only child?

128 replies

Enjoyingmyicecream · 15/06/2026 14:42

I'm a proud mum of one and count myself very lucky to have my DS. I'd have loved a bigger family but due to significant primary and then secondary infertility we'll be a one child family. I have largely made peace with this, and I am in the fortunate position to work school hours from home and being able to spend lots of quality time with him. Here's the thing- my son is constantly seeking adventure (he's 7) and wants entertainment and other kids to play with (which really doesn't help my feelings of guilt about "not giving him a sibling", which I know I can't do anything about anyways) after school. We do have lots of play dates and fun things to including Beavers and swimming, but I also just want to stay home and play there. If relevant, DS is also suspected to have mild ADHD.

I have an older sibling but didn't have much interaction with them when I was a child, I loved to just hang around the house after school. AIBU to think that my child can't always expect me to provide tons of entertainment after school and that gardening together etc is also a valid form of spending after school time?

OP posts:
eekididitagain · 15/06/2026 14:53

It is if he likes gardening. If not, get the paints out to just sit and be creative together. Or bake biscuits. Put on a film. Or make slime - all kids love this. He doesn’t need to always be out of the house.

millymollymoomoo · 15/06/2026 14:52

Put him in ASC ?

Octavia64 · 15/06/2026 14:52

Kids usually want to play with other kids.

gardening with mum is usually pretty low down on the priority list whether only child or not.