Am I lazy mum?

[teadress]

Sometimes I feel I can be a bit lazy mum but other times I think maybe I shouldn't be harsh on myself so I've put it to the MN vote

. I have 2 boys ages 3 and 1. The 3 year old is very speech delayed (he's 3 but nearly 4) but he's improving all the time. However cos of this, Altho he knows words and understands everything and can say words etc, he doesn't USE the words appropriately e.g for saying why he's sad. He can say things like oh no or say drink if he's thirsty but if he's sad he will just cry

I've always been not a hugely fun person and when daddy is at home I must admit I tend to chill out and not be as engaged with playing and leave him to entertain them mostly although I do read lots to them and do puzzles but for the really fun stuff I leave it to him. Is this naughty?

It's not a novelty of seeing dad as due to our jobs they see us both equally

Do you enjoy playing with them or do you see it as a chore?

The speech isn’t your fault. All children develop differently and especially boys can be a bit slower. But, you should be encouraging him and if you have any concerns contact your GP, HV if you think speech therapy is needed.

Speech therapy has been going on for over 18 months and everything is all taken care off regarding his delays

Sometimes I do find playing a chore yes. I feel terrible about it tho

I don't think many grown ups enjoy playing kids games. It doesn't mean you're lazy.

However if the house is a tip, there's no clean clothes, no food in, kids aren't bathed regularly etc then that's different.

Assuming you engage with them when he's not home I can't see anything at all wrong with it and do the same myself at times.

I hated playing with my kids. Boring

I'm not a playing mum. But we had daily adventures when walking the dogs.

@converseandjeans housework all good

@ElegantlyTouched yes of course I do

I don't think it's at all unusual for a 3yr old to not be able to name their emotions.

I don't think you're a lazy mum, but I think you need to be very wary of letting dad be the fun parent while you're just kinda there. What are you doing while they're playing? Do you engage at all? I'd work on that, on integrating yourself into some of their fun times.

I can play with my toddler for a few minutes, then I’m bored shitless. Baby games aren’t fun. He’s pretty good at independent play though, but I’m not sure if that’s because I’ve sort of left him to it sometimes, or I’m just lucky.