Feeling very tired and grumpy, so please tell me if I am being absolutely unreasonable.....
I am a lone parent to one child, work FT, care for elderly parents, so time is precious! However, every time we go out and do things we seem to attract other people's children and I just want to spend time with my own.
I am not maternal, as awful as this sounds but I don't really like children (only my own), so I definitely don't give off earth mother vibes.
I wouldn't mind if they engaged my child too, but they don't it is just me. I'm nearly 40, so don't look like a cool older sister or anything.
If we go to the park, I always have another child asking to join in our game or for me to help them. I try and step away, thinking it is great my child make a new friend, but they don't engage with them.
Recent theme park trip, two seperate children asked to be in our carriage / vehicle so they could be with us.
If we have a picnic out or go to the beach, I have random children showing me stuff or asking to join in.
We took bats and a ball to the beach, and this boy (7 to 9ish) took the bat out of my child's hand and hit the ball towards me. I explained that it wasn't okay and we were playing a game, so he did return the bat, but asked if he could have a turn next.
Today was the icing on the cake, we went to a science museum place which ended up with my little one in tears. Another child asked me to explain what i'd shown my son which was fine, but involved me having to complete the practical with him. My child was quiet, when I asked what was wrong he said he feels sad that it is never just us on days out, we don't get left alone.
I get it! I just feel so guilty my child feels like this, and guilty for saying no or ask your parent to other kids. Its always the kids that won't take no for an answer or push boundaries, like I will say no I am with my child and its Why? Or I can come too.
Any tips to make myself even more unapproachable? 😂