To let 2yo DS play independently for an hour whilst I get things sorted

[waterfall0119]

So today is like a typical day. We are going to playgroup this morning followed by lunch then his friend is coming for a play date at 3. We always have things like this going on in the day —because I get so bored staying in the house—
House is a tip, the friend that’s coming over always has an immaculate house so I’m quite embarrassed about the sheer amount of crap we have cluttering our house (mainly DS toys)
I would like to polish and clean the bathrooms after playgroup, problem is I feel guilty for leaving DS to his own devices whilst I do this (he will always be in the same room or at least floor as me whilst I clean around)
I suffer from anxiety and PND still, and I worry that because I have the ‘luxury’ of being a SAHM then I shouldn’t do this and spend all my time playing and clean when DH gets in from work. Problem is DH works crazy hours (project management) and is at the office again late tonight so when he gets in I usually just crash on the sofa with a cup of tea and watch the telly forgetting all about the housework!
Do you all let your kids play independently? Need some reassurance I’m not a bad mum

I have twins, so one-to-one time with one of them means independent play for the other. They both play happily by themselves, so I don't see any problem with it.

However, cleaning for an hour purely for someone else's benefit seems excessive to me. Do you really think that she's that much of a judgemental cow that she'd think bad of you for having a messy house when you have a toddler? Only do it if you're bothered about the house being tidy, otherwise take the time to put your feet up :-)

Oh god, please do it..it's good parenting to teach them to play independently. So so important for them. I wish more parents realised this rather than stressing themselves out by constantly trying to entertain their children

Oh yeah, let him play independently. Sometimes I even let 2yo ds whine independently, or call for me repeatedly independently, or even follow me round the house asking "what doing mummy?" independently - if I've got something that needs doing. Crack on!

Stitchit clearly Flop is either doped up to his eyeballs or so mentally destroyed that he no longer feels the pain. either way, he's still my parenting guru.

I have a three year old that is unbelievably demanding, I can't even sit down in peace for 5 minutes to drink a cup of tea and that's if I get as far as making one! I am on my knees with needing a break and so thankful he starts nursery tomorrow. The other day I said to him "Could you play with your toys by yourself for a moment" and it occurred to me it may of been the first time I had ever said it! I made a rod for my own back and it has made my anxiety condition worse to the point I've had to back on medication, don't be like me OP!

My son actually seems happier when I am setting boundaries instead of pandering to him but I still pander even though it clearly isn't the best thing for either of us! Parenting guilt is an evil thing.

I just left my 3yo for fifteen minutes while I nipped up to blitz the bathroom and put a wash on. He’s safe down there and was happily playing with his aeroplanes and watching CBeebies. I know he’d come up and find me if he wanted anything. Tbh I wouldn’t expect you to entertain your son ALL DAY, that would be exhausting!

Definitely let them play independently! I mean, not ALL the time, obviously, but it's a really important skill. Make sure his environment is safe and that you can hear him if there's a problem and get in with it! No guilt required.

How the heck has he got to 2 without playing alone? He’ll be fine, he needs it. I’ve given my 18 month independent play since she first showed interest in toys. I’d never have got anything done otherwise.

I agree about Flop! Bing would drive me nuts.

I think parents feeling they are responsible for amusing/entertaining/ playing with their DCs 24/7 is a present day phenomenon. It certainly never happened when I was a child. My sister and I and friends mostly got on with playing without adult intervention, apart from the occasional board game etc. It feeds the imagination apart from anything else.

Thanks for all of these replies! He’s currently playing independently while watching highway rat as I make myself something to eat