Help me not to feel guilty.

[BethanyGilbert]

DD is nearly 3. I have taken her to an activity or soft play or to the park every day off I’ve had since she was born. She has 2 regular activities she goes to weekly.
We had an awful nights sleep last night. This morning we went to her swimming class. Then I came home and did a deep clean of the bathroom and kitchen and hoovered through while she played with her toys.
Would I be being an awful mum if we stayed in this afternoon and played and/or did craft activities? She has toys from Christmas we have never played with? I just feel so awful if she’s not busy. Like I’m letting her down.

Why would you feel like you’re letting her down?
Over the years I’ve often had days/afternoons when me and DC have just chilled at homes. I found it was good for them to learn to entertain themselves for a while-it’s a life lesson!
Now they are all older they quite happily entertain themselves and use their imagination to make up games etc.

It’s good for children to be bored. How will she use her imagination or enjoy her books and room if she’s incessantly on the go? It’s not good for them to be occupied all the time.

You must know that a lot of parents don’t have the opportunity, resources or inclination to do daily activities out of the home. Their children aren’t suffering from a lack of soft play sessions.

Is it usual for you to be this anxious OP?

This is a total non issue but if it’s concerning you I would suggest that you take steps to address it.

You're implying that everyone who doesn't run themselves and their children ragged with over stimulation are bad parents and should be feeling guilty?

That's crazy, all children need time doing nothing. It's really good for them.

@crustycrab no I’m not saying that. I’m saying my DD is used to some trip out every day even if it’s just playing in the park and that I personally feel bad for not taking her out today. Where have I made comment on anyone else’s parenting?

How could that possibly make you an awful mum? You do realise most of us don't fill every single day we have with our children with 'activities' and don't feel the slightest bit of guilt about it because it's completely normal

But she's been out, swimming. That's really very tiring for little ones. A quiet afternoon seems sensible - and for you too! Go easy on yourself it's a marathon not a sprint.

"Being an awful mum" and "letting her down" is where you imply it.

This is honestly a non issue!

If I felt unwell, too tired from working etc its games indoors and maybe a short walk. I'll even stick TV on too!

Dont be so hard on yourself!

What's the worst thing that could happen if you both had a quiet afternoon?

You seem to feel a need to fill every waking moment which is not always healthy.

Just enjoy a nice chill day with your little girl. She'll enjoy it too. Not being perennially busy is not, contrary to what my mother believe, a Mortal Sin! Why not be really naughty, make some popcorn, and snuggy up and watch a movie?

Why are you feeling guilty I don't understand it? You're not hurting your child, your not being horrible to them you're just not taking them out. Maybe you expect too much from yourself. I don't work and I don't take my child out daily, you know why because sometimes I just don't want to. He doesn't mind. I don't feel guilty. In fact today we have watched lion king 3 times and I haven't lifted a finger round the house but hey ho it doesn't matter. Be kinder to yourself.

Don't be daft.

Lordy, I just realised I’m a terrible Mum. Oops.