AIBU?
To listen to an audiobook or the radio when at home with the kids?
LolaNova · 07/04/2021 14:23
I’ve been at home with slightly poorly children for days (just a cold but it’s making them both grouchy and tired so we aren’t getting out much). I’m SO BORED. Is it ok not to give DCs my full attention and just have something on to listen to in the background during endless toddler play?
Am I being unreasonable?
AIBUYou have one vote. All votes are anonymous.
MrsTophamHat · 07/04/2021 14:37
Definitely not. Our children are there to be cared for, not worshipped!
My son is almost 4 now. We have a great relationship, we talk all the time and play, but I have always encouraged him to play by himself and made it clear that sometimes Mummy wants to do something else. I'll often have a podcast on while i'm cooking or cleaning, or I might read while he's playing.
I don't think i would like someone following me around all day, so I don't see why my son would either.
DontBeRidiculous · 07/04/2021 15:00
It would never cross my mind that it wouldn't be okay! Obviously not 24 hours a day, and I'd be ready to pause it any time they needed my undivided attention. If you'll be playing it in a way that they can hear it (not earbuds/headphones), I'd just be sure it was something I didn't mind them also hearing, but that would be my only concern.
Deedeedocket · 07/04/2021 16:13
I constantly listen to Audio books, while I’m cooking, pretending to clean, putting clothes away etc.
The kids and I used to listen to Harry Potter in the car when they were very young . Now when I’m running them about I’m listening to Stephen king.
They quite like listening along.
Oldbeams · 07/04/2021 16:21
Hope your DC feel better soon op.
It's fine to listen to podcasts or the radio!
Imho, it works best if you alternate between giving the DC 20 mins of your full undivided attention doing something they want to do, and then explain that mummy's going off to do something specific such as cooking or cleaning for 20 mins and for that you can have a soundtrack. You can suggest what they do in the meantime and set it up for them (depending on age). As long as they are somewhere safe and they can find you and you can hear them, in case of accidents or anything, and you check in with them regularly, it's fine!
thebillyotea · 07/04/2021 17:10
what do you mean not giving them your full attention?
How on earth do you manage to get anything done at all? 
The whole point of being home is NOT to give them full attention and letting them potter around or "help" (ie emptying cupboards, rummage through laundry or boxes of begs) and when you are lucky play with their own toys!
actiongirl1978 · 07/04/2021 17:20
When DC were small I had a sofa in the kitchen. After preschool the toddler watched a movie in the playroom, the baby had a nap and I snoozed on the kitchen sofa. No one would have got past age 3 if I hadn't had time to myself after lunch every day!
Also we have had radio 4 on pretty much all day every day since they were born!
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