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Original poster

iPad in cot - please tell me I’m not a totally shit mother

29 replies

sambasam · 25/12/2018 21:25

DS2 is at tail end of chicken pox, after 2 hrs of trying to get him to bed with him hitting, biting me etc I have given up and put an iPad in his cot, to give my back a rest if nothing else. We have been stuck in house for 5 days and we are both going crazy with cabin fever - pretty shit Christmas

OP posts:
JohnLapsleyParlabane · 25/12/2018 21:26

In your situation I think most of us would do it.Wine

SuperDuperJezebel · 25/12/2018 21:26

God no, at that point I would do just about anything!

ItIsChristmasTime · 25/12/2018 21:28

As a one off, considering the circumstances, I wouldn’t judge you in the slightest.

It might not be possible or practical but I find going out for an evening drive often works in getting young children off to sleep.

I hope the spots are crusted over soon and you have a much better end of year.

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Onatreebyariver · 25/12/2018 21:29

No judgement at all!! Extenuating circumstances. Hope you get a rest.

Original poster
sambasam · 25/12/2018 21:29

I was thinking of trying to send DH out to drive with him but DS is not in a good way and if I am out of sight at the moment he is going ballistic

OP posts:
Efferlunt · 25/12/2018 21:31

If you were doing this every night then I would be judgy. However it seems like the kindest option for everyone at the moment. Hope he’s on the mend soon!

Lindtnotlint · 25/12/2018 21:32

Totally reasonable! Whatever works in those grim circs. Good luck!

RogueV · 25/12/2018 21:33

It’s fine Flowers

WhatsUpHun · 25/12/2018 21:35

You got this, if it gets him calmer, then it won't hurt Flowers

PinkHeart5914 · 25/12/2018 21:36

If you were doing it often yes I’d say rubbish parenting but the child has chicken pox and hasn’t slept for the last 2 hours so what else can you do really? Hopefully the screen will eventually put him to sleep!

AhhhHereItGoes · 25/12/2018 21:36

Don't blame you.

Take it out when you know he's asleep so he doesn't bang his head on it or throw it but otherwise, take what you can get I say.

CottonSock · 25/12/2018 21:36

I did this when my dd was puking.. middle of night, best thing to keep her calm

Passmethecrisps · 25/12/2018 21:37

It’s fine - a good idea actually with both of your needs at the core.

I hope he gets better soon.

Original poster
sambasam · 25/12/2018 21:45

Thanks - it’s been a hellish few days, haven’t resorted to iPad in cot before but am desperately trying to get an hour to sit downstairs with DH before resorting to just giving up and going to bed with DS again!

OP posts:
bumblebee39 · 25/12/2018 21:56

You are not a terrible parent
You are a normal one who is under a lot of stress
A lot of parents use them because they can when child is well, they're slept and rested etc. Let alone when they are poorly and you are stretched
Don't be so hard on yourself

TheLovleyChebbyMcGee · 25/12/2018 22:00

Totally reasonable, if you were doing it every night I would get a bit judgy tbh, but it sounds like you are having a tough time of it, hope it's better soon!

Original poster
sambasam · 25/12/2018 22:01

I am about to lose it - still wide awake screaming to get out of his cot. My back is killing me, i am exhausted and I just want to have 1 fucking hour to sit and eat chocolate. I have had 2 kids that don’t sleep but tonight is a parenting low point

OP posts:
JustanotherCHRISTMASuser01 · 25/12/2018 22:06

Anybody who judges you for that has never been a parent of a poorly child.
Go enjoy your hour!

Passmethecrisps · 25/12/2018 22:13

How old is poorly one? Is it worth the fight? Can you sit with the iPad in front of him while you and dh eat chocolate and maybe a glass of wine?

I really feel for you

mortifiedmama · 25/12/2018 22:20

Normally I'd say that's not great parenting but this is a one off, exceptional circumstances. At times like this it's whatever gets you through!

elibee · 25/12/2018 22:28

Would he fall asleep in bed beside you?

I know it's not exactly relaxing to have a toddler in bed with you but at least it'll calm him down

elibee · 25/12/2018 22:29

Also re ipad in cot - it's christmas AND he's poorly so anything goes imo

MummySharkDoDo · 25/12/2018 22:32

Get in bed together with a device each!

Dermymc · 25/12/2018 22:43

Oh gosh don't blame you! Have you given painkillers?

Pastaagain78 · 25/12/2018 22:45

Absolutely fine. Whatever it takes to get through it.