To be worried for ds?

[misfgapi]

Ds goes to nursery 3 days and is with me 4 days. He is 13 months. His dad sees him once a month so basically not at all and in the last couple of weeks plans with friends have fallen through, his cousin has been unwell, my parents have been abroad so he’s literally spent the days out of nursery just with me, no other interaction. This has been common on and off since he was born but now he is older I am worried it might impact him? Should I try and travel to see family? They are quite far away so i have been avoiding a long drive in winter. Not sure what to do

Awwww love he’ll be fine!!

Do you take DS out and about regularly ie library for Rhymetime, soft play, parks, play groups etc when you have your 4 days together? Or do you just stay at home? It’s best for both of you to get out in the fresh air, spend some time either just together or with others. Don’t just rely on family for interaction - there’s plenty to do so that DS and you get a change of scenery.

Go and join every local baby and toddler group you can find. Once you know the ones you prefer you can attend those on a more regular basis.

You will soon build up a network of play friends, many of whom will have parents in a similar situation.

When my DS was born the next youngest person in our extended family was 17 and none of my friends had babies either as I was relatively old for a new mother so I had to find new people if I wanted my DS to have social interaction with similar aged children.

We now have a great group of new local friends and meet up every week.

Given he’s at nursery for 3 days, I wouldn’t worry too much, but it is good for them to have other adults they are comfortable with. Who would help out for example if you weren’t well?

So a good idea for him to get to know other adults you trust- so do you have local friends you can visit or go places with? Also for your own sanity I’d suggest getting out and about with him. It doesn’t have to cost much - the park, Rhyme Time at library both free, or church toddler groups usually cheap (and open to all).

Agree , one or two planned regular activities on your days together are fine. He's still little and does not need constant stimulation.

I wouldn't worry too much, he's still very young. But it might help you to get out and about too, could you plan some activities for your days together, a toddler group, messy play, swimming lessons or soft play.