Riddled with guilt

[halpert]

DS2 is playing alone and I'm laid on the sofa too exhausted to get up

I'm heavily pregnant. Due in 2w. Can't fucking sleep at night. DS is beautiful and perfect and so loving and I feel so bad that he's having to entertain himself

Obviously he's fed and clean, I have nobody to help and take him out for the day so it's more enjoyable for him.

I feel so bad that he's having to entertain himself

Why does he need to be entertained all the time? He probably has lots of toys that he's happy playing with, I honestly think people are doing their children no favours being there all the time, they need time to explore for themselves. He clean, fed and safe, put the television on and leave him to it, he'll have to get used to his own company more when the next baby is born.

Being riddled with guilt is a massive waste of your precious energy reserves. It might be better to lie there thinking of clever ways to entertain a young child whilst reclining on the sofa. Young children usually enjoy being helpful so get creative!

Be grateful you have an amenable child and enjoy some downtime.

God just feel grateful he'll play by himself

When I'm poorly my child watches Tele for hours she just will not play by herself I wish she would

please don't feel guilty. if anything you could try and feel pleased that you're giving your son the space to learn to occupy himself. kids need a good solid (short term) ignoring on a regular basis. it will bring out their character and their creativity. they will love and appreciate the time and energy you do give them so much more.

Kids don't need to be entertained every minute of the day. I was bored for most of the 90s

You can only do your best and he sounds like a happy little chap. I'm sure he's having fun.

He seems happy enough, running around with a bloody spatula that he hasn't put down for 2 days bless you, he sounds completely fine. Children don't need constant entertaining, and he sounds like a very happy creative playful little chap.

Get plenty of rest and don't feel guilty for conserving your energy. And very best of luck with the birth.

I had a happy childhood, and the memories I cherish most are almost all of me playing on my own. If he seems happy enough, he probably is.

Just to add to the chorus of posters saying it's good for children to learn to entertain themselves. I work with teenagers and it never ceases to amaze me how many of them are completely incapable of keeping themselves occupied even for short periods of time. It's a real problem actually as they can't cope with unstructured time or feel happy in their own company and end up getting into all kinds of trouble as a result. Parents who completely fill their DC's time with activities mean well but are not doing them any favours in my experience.

He does play alone often, and he is very good at playing alone. He doesn't get bored much. But we also do activities and go out, a nice balance. As I've said though we've been cooped up indoors for 3 days and I feel very bad that he hasn't gotten out.

I think a lot of the guilt is connected to me being pregnant too. These are our last moments just the two of us before he has a sibling to share me with. As silly as that might sound to some of you

I have read all of the comments and I appreciate the empathy

Not silly. I think it's nice that these last days of just the two of you are being spent quietly at home. You sound like such a lovely mum.

@onalongsabbatical thank you very much, your comments in particular have really made me smile.

Well I am delighted to have made you smile halpert.
Keep smiling! The very best thing for your children is your happiness and contentment and love.