Is this normal?

[dingodollarman]

I have one child. This morning we Had a slow start to the day because of no school runs etc. When I was ready we went to the supermarket and picked up some bits for lunch. We came back and since child's been happy playing. I'm busy doing the washing and some cleaning but mostly we are doing not a lot. Tomorrow we'll do something as a family. Is this a "normal" way to spend a Saturday? I feel constant pressure/guilt to be doing "stuff" and going out.

😐

Yeah that's fine

Normal, totally normal.

We often need the weekend to recharge our batteries.

To explain more - I think the guilt comes from it being nice weather, that child should be going to a club, a play date, a party...that kind of thing.

Don’t! Your lives are your own to do (or not do) as you please. As long as you and your family are content and happy it doesn’t matter what you think other people or society expects. To be honest most people are so focused with their own lives they don’t notice anyone else.

Sounds quite idyllic.

Yes it's normal in this house - these days it does seem to be 'the norm' to constantly occupy and entertain our kids, but imo I think they need a bit of down time at weekends. We tend to have at least one slobby day of just relaxing at home, and maybe one other day doing odd jobs, then every so often we do something extra.

Sounds normal. We have a lazy day at least once a week.

We live for days like this! We’re always so busy and rushing around... it’s nice to have days like this sometimes. It’s good for kids to take a breather and have some down time.

Kids need time to be able to relax in their own home and the constant pressure to entertain them at all times is a rod for our own backs. Enjoy a day off. Perfectly normal.

It's good for kids to entertain themselves and be bored sometimes.

If your child is happy, why worry?
Children shouldn't need entertaining or days out all the time. Life's not like that is it?

Not just normal.

Healthy. Mentally healthy.

I just get paranoid say like today when the weather is nice and everyone says "what are you up to today?", or "shouldn't you be out enjoying the sun" etc - we are just happy pottering about at home but I feel like I shouldn't be, as if I'm weird and depriving him of something. He's genuinely happy and healthy and content though.

Normal normal normal! Can you all potter out into the garden if you fancy some fresh air? If so, even better.

The main event of our day has been a walk to the post office and to Morrison’s to buy potatoes, if that helps!

Crikey - if so my whole childhood was a complete disaster. That is all we ever did.

Yep, that been out day goo. Plus a nap in the middle.

DH as I both work full time, I'm on a big project at work so doing 1hr days in the office plus another 2-4 hrs at home in the evening.

Just needed a weekend of nothing, so today has been pottering around the house, tomorrow may include a little light gardening, or not we'll see how it goes.

Totally normal.

It's just me and my partner, no children, but I hate how every friday people at work ask me what plans I have at the weekend- they all have children's parties, church groups, family locally etc and so always have very busy weekends. I'd say the majority of my weekends are spent chilling at home, doing some DIY maybe or some gardening, cleaning etc- I have an exhausting job and enjoy my downtime but it makes me feel like such a loser (and reminds me how far across the country I am from family and friends)

Totally normal in this house, now amd when they were little! Stop feeling guilty! Your child will remember more about the time he spent with you pottering around than he will do loads of activities!
I can't remember much about all my clubs, but I can remember making cakes with my nan, helping her cook Sunday dinner, picking blackcurrents for her tart, helping her sort washing, watching my mum knit fast, helping my mum make casseroles and stews, shopping with my mum, going to the wool shop with my mum etc

Sounds like a lovely, peaceful Saturday.

My wild Saturday has consisted of going to Sainsbury's, taking dd to gymnastics then going for a bit of a brisk walk (trying to fit a bit of exercise into my day!)

Nope that’s normal. If you are feeling guilty then tell them to play in the garden.

Totally normal, don't let the guilt kick in. Today was unusual for us as we had friends over in the garden for lunch with their children, then a party this afternoon, dh is currently comatose on the couch

I love days where I potter about and the kids are in and out.

It sounds lovely I'm sure the little one would let you know if they were fed up! I think life is so full of rushing around having relaxed time with family is so important. Your child will have plenty of pressures on their time when growing up.

It sounds like an absolutely lovely, peaceful day, and just what we all need from time to time

We need more calm and peace in our lives.