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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To take a laptop to the soft play centre?

22 replies

perplexedpirate · 03/01/2012 20:33

I work partially from home. It's quiet at the moment but every so often I end up snowed under and need to work like billio to meet deadlines etc.
A lot of it I fit around DS's school hours but sometimes I could really do with an hour or so to get on with something uninterrupted.
Do you think it would be appropriate to take work to a soft play centre?
Obviously DS is my priority and there's a nice small one locally that's very secure and I'd have an eye on him at all times (DS nearly 4 btw).
Is this a daft idea?
Would I just look like the world's biggest twat?
Is it unrealistic to think I could get anything done in that environment?
Thanks for your thoughts.

OP posts:
RaspberryLemonPavlova · 03/01/2012 20:34

I used to take a book, I don't see the difference TBH.

AKMD · 03/01/2012 20:36

I'd do it. I wouldn't give someone doing that a second glance.

backwardLFDTpossom · 03/01/2012 20:37

It's no different to having a smartphone, really. YANBU

CMOTDibbler · 03/01/2012 20:37

Not unreasonable at all - at the softplay I go to theres even free wifi so you often see parents trying to get a bit of work done.

perfectstorm · 03/01/2012 20:37

If it has wi fi then they expect it (the one near us does) and my only glares would be from jealousy that your child is old enough!

herbietea · 03/01/2012 20:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Doha · 03/01/2012 20:39

Depends on how busy the centre is? If it was very busy can you be sure that your DS will know where to find you and that you can keep him in view.

Having said that if it is a secure centre and there s no way that your DS can leave without you, l would say go ahead.

I have been to playcentres where they are quite happy to let you plug the laptops into the electricity supply.

Coldcuppacoffee · 03/01/2012 20:40

I'venseen Dad's up the climbing frames with their blackberrys. Do it with confidence and noone will say anything.

My DS is only two, so one question for you? Are they ok unsupervised at 4?

CurlyBoy · 03/01/2012 20:48

Most have free Wi-fi for a reason. My wife takes hers and catches up on work and emails and still manages to keep an eye on our PFB. Go for it!

befuzzled · 03/01/2012 20:50

I do it all the time. YANBU.

befuzzled · 03/01/2012 20:50

It's called multi-tasking.

Original poster
perplexedpirate · 03/01/2012 20:55

I think he would be ok as i would only be going in the mornings, say 10am, so it would be pretty quiet. As for being able to watch him and work, I just don't know. That's why I posted.
I can assure you though, it will be my work that suffers if necessary, not DS.
I'm going with a friend tomorrow and I'll scope it out. Glad no one thinks it's totally beyond the pale though! :)

OP posts:
flossymuldoon · 03/01/2012 20:57

I take my laptop and do my e-mailing. It's always pretty quiet when i go and i can always get a seat where i can see the whole play area from where i am sat. I just keep looking for him to make sure he's ok and DS comes and gets me if he needs me anyway. Most of the other adults spend their time on their mobiles texting etc, so it's no different.

Wolfiefan · 03/01/2012 21:02

Just make sure not to let the little darlings near it with a drink! :o

ObsidianBlackbirdMcNight · 03/01/2012 21:06

YANBU! I don't supervise DS at soft play, he's 3.5. He goes off and plays, I sit and read, if he needs me he comes to find me. It's soft play, not a jungle. It is very safe. There are constantly patrolling teenagers staff who keep an eye.

Ihatecbeebies · 03/01/2012 21:09

I've done it before Smile I found that as DS was having so much fun at the soft play and was distracted I got more work done due to less interruptions and I didn't feel guilty about DS being bored stuck at home while I was on the computer.

Portofino · 03/01/2012 21:11

Not at all. My local Softplay places have wifi and sell wine! I used to be able to send dd off to play and have a nice relaxing time. Isn't that why we go to these places? Fair enough you have to watch babies, but once they hit 4, they disappear into the softmat/slide/climbing frame thing for hours and only reappear when they NEED an ice lolly.....

Pocksrule · 03/01/2012 21:14

I sit with a book or a magazine so what's the difference and I have seen other people with a laptop if that makes you feel any better

Haribolicious · 03/01/2012 21:31

Definitely NBU!! As others have said....I see loads of people reading, on smartphone or chatting whilst the kids are left to their own devices so I don't see a laptop as any different. My DS is 5 but even at 4 he would make a friend or two within 5 mins of us being there and then would not bat an eyelid at me not keeping a close eye - tho I would keep checking he was ok, make sure he knew where I was and knew there was only one way in/out....so I guess I'd look more daft just sat drumming my fingers!!

Spidermama · 03/01/2012 21:34

I used to take my laptop, all my receipts, a load of folders and envelopes and some EAR PLUGS so I could do my tax at the soft play. It was bliss.

Original poster
perplexedpirate · 03/01/2012 21:50

Ace! Thanks everyone, I'll give it a go. I'm trying to organise myself better and this was one idea that I had, so I'm pleased it could be a goer.
Tbf DS is more than happy to trot off into the ball pit or whatever and will find me when he's hungry or thirsty.

Oh, and wolfie good point! I've already killed one laptop that way. Work will NOT be impressed if theirs ends up soggy too!

OP posts:
whatdoiknowanyway · 03/01/2012 23:15

Pre mobile phone days I took a book and a discreet torch to 'Tigger the movie'. DC enjoyed the film and I retained my sanity.
So long as your child is safe - do it.

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