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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to just play with my toddler in the garden instead of going for a walk?

45 replies

garden2022 · 19/05/2022 13:36

Hi, I have a 3 month old baby and a 21 month old toddler. Currently on maternity leave. I feel very exhausted.

Currently baby is sleeping on the sofa and I have just played the last hour or so with my toddler in the garden.

I don't really want to go out today for a walk.

Is it okay to just play with toddler in the garden or do I have to take him out everyday for a walk?

I have been at a lake with him Saturday and Sunday and walked a lot everyday.

My mother thinks I should go for a walk everyday.

OP posts:
KatherineofGaunt · 19/05/2022 13:37

You do not have to go for a walk every day!!

Playing with your child at home is fine.

Merryoldgoat · 19/05/2022 13:38

Tell your mother it’s none of her business!

SeaToSki · 19/05/2022 13:38

Its your life, You get to decide what You want to do. Try to not listen to your mother as much.

FfeminyddCymraeg · 19/05/2022 13:38

😂

no, you don’t have to walk your toddler every day

TheGlitterati · 19/05/2022 13:38

I must be the biggest failure because I have never gone on a daily walk.

Greensleeves · 19/05/2022 13:40

Your mother needs to butt out and stop micromanaging you. I'm sure it's well-meaning advice - going out and engaging with the world can definitely help stave off depression etc - but it's a blunt instrument and doesn't always apply to every situation. There's nothing wrong with staying at home and playing with your toddler if that's what you want to do!

Punkypinky · 19/05/2022 13:40

My mom is the same if it's raining she makes a point of telling me about her 45 mins on the exercise bike 🙄
Listen to your body and have a restful day. 💜

MolliciousIntent · 19/05/2022 13:40

If your toddler is happy with that then it's fine! Mine is a lunatic who goes wild if she doesn't get out of the house so wouldn't work for us but is fine if it works for you.

Jemdaruna · 19/05/2022 13:41

Why would you need to walk every day? The garden sounds like a lovely place to be if your weather is anything like mine today. Just relax in the garden letting your toddler play.

I am disabled, my children practically lived in our garden most days.

Rainbowqueeen · 19/05/2022 13:42

I think kids need to get outside in the fresh air every day unless they are Poorly and you’ve done that. Success.

You sound like a lovely mum. Well done 💐

CandyApplePie · 19/05/2022 13:42

Tbf I think a lot of people on MN agree with this, I posted once that I don’t take my kids out every day and posters were horrified! Most people on here seem to insist kids need to go out every day.

MajorCarolDanvers · 19/05/2022 13:42

When your mother gives you advice like this - smile, nod and then ignore.

Get on with your life and do what you want to do with your children. Playing in the garden is awesome. Walks are good but not needed every day. Fresh air, exercise and fun is what is important - however that happens.

bloodywhitecat · 19/05/2022 13:42

I think your mother is confusing toddlers with dogs; dogs need a daily walk, toddlers do not. You are absolutely right to stay at home and have a quiet day home.

LifeInsideMyhead · 19/05/2022 13:42

Never heard of this daily walk business before!

Robinni · 19/05/2022 13:44

Play in the garden and relax, you don’t need to go on a walk every day if you have outside space.

On another note - baby sleeping on sofa isn’t safe, move them to cot or Moses basket x

Hugasauras · 19/05/2022 13:44

Your toddler is not a dog!

We have a big garden with trampoline, climbing frame and slide/swing, giant sandpit, Wendy house, lots of places for beasties to be dug up. DD3 will happily spend a whole day coming in and out and is knackered by the end of it!

comealongponds · 19/05/2022 13:45

YANBU

You’re playing with your child and giving them love and attention, they have varied experiences throughout the week, it’s fine not to go for a daily walk if you don’t want to/feel up to it.

if your mum is adamant toddler needs a walk could she take them out for a bit so you get a bit of time with just the baby? Or even better while baby naps so you can have a break!

Merryoldgoat · 19/05/2022 13:46

Some parents really do a number on us, don’t they?

JennyAct3 · 19/05/2022 13:48

Of course, stay home and potter in the garden. I remember giving my toddler stacking pots (or pans and wooden spoons), hours of fun, or send them on a ladybird hunt, hours of fun. Having a 3 month old and a toddler is very tiring, rest when you can and learn to ignore your mother!

AliasGrape · 19/05/2022 13:50

I have a nearly 2 year old. We don’t manage a daily walk! It’s fine, listen to your body, rest if you need to.

But don’t leave the baby unattended to nap on the sofa!

RingRingRed · 19/05/2022 13:51

I didn't even go out in the garden every day with mine. Dh would say go for a walk, but unless I've got somewhere to actually go, I find walking for the sake of it, boring.

eddiemairswife · 19/05/2022 13:51

A daily walk is a Mumsnet obsession.

godmum56 · 19/05/2022 13:51

Surely there will be days when its not possible to take the toddler out of the house for various reasons? Would it not be better to have a setup organised for these days and to have the toddler accustomed to it?

SatinHeart · 19/05/2022 13:51

OP your mother just sounds like my MIL. Smile and ignore. I assume its a generational thing, my MIL thinks babies should have all their naps in a pram in the garden alone as well.

As long as DC is tired enough to go to sleep at bedtime, then they have had enough fresh air and exercise for the day. Be kind to yourself!

mudgetastic · 19/05/2022 13:52

Playing in garden is great