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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

2 year old playing alone in the garden

36 replies

tryingtobemarrypoppins2 · 05/04/2010 12:41

AIBU to let DS 2, play in the garden whilst I watch him from the kitchen when ironing, brest feeding newborn, cooking etc?? Garden is 100FT long, no pond, secure, toys safe etc.

OP posts:
carocaro · 05/04/2010 12:43

YANBU, if you can see him, no danger about and he is happy. It's fine.

fidelma · 05/04/2010 12:43

If it is secure and you can see him that sounds fine to me.I am very caucious by the way.

SilveryMoon · 05/04/2010 12:44

YANBU. I would. If it is secure, he cannot get out, others cannot get in, then is fine

ElleBing · 05/04/2010 12:44

YANBU. If there are no hazards then let him get on with it. If you can see him and hear him at all times then fine.

thumbchick · 05/04/2010 12:45

agree - I let DS play in the garden by himself (he is 2.4) so long as I have checked that the gates are closed (he can't open them himself). I can't always see him from the window so every few mins I go and check where he's got to - he's never far away.

ImSoNotTelling · 05/04/2010 12:48

YANBU sounds fine to me

mamas12 · 05/04/2010 12:52

That's great actually because he will be able to learn how to play and occupy himself and like his own company.

mumbar · 05/04/2010 12:53

YANBU I use to do the same as could see it from the kitchen.

Sounds like you have your hands full!!!

parakeet · 05/04/2010 12:54

I do this too. The only thing I would add is presumably you have thought about whether or not any of your plants have berries that are poisonous?

I have delayed planting foxgloves for this reason.

Original poster
tryingtobemarrypoppins2 · 05/04/2010 13:01

Plants???? I have killed them all with my lack of green fingers

Yes hands well and truly full!

OP posts:
IMoveTheStars · 05/04/2010 13:03

I think YABU to be doing the ironing when you have a newborn

EggyAllenPoe · 05/04/2010 13:05

DD loves playing outside by herself, I would just be in the way. I can see her from the kitchen..

so ar, two potted plants and fallen prey to her tender mercies, a small price to pay....

crumblequeen · 05/04/2010 13:08

Nothing wrong with that - my DS age 2.0 plays in the garden too while I check from kitchen. Its lovely to hear him chatting to himself as he potters around "re-distributing" soil! Great to see them learning to entertain themselves at last!

He loves having water outside when its warm enough and I always go out with him then however.

Original poster
tryingtobemarrypoppins2 · 05/04/2010 13:18

I do sometimes feel a bit guilty when its cold and I think maybe I should be joining in with his games etc....

OP posts:
teaandcakeplease · 05/04/2010 13:22

YANBU - I do it when at friends houses or my parents (I live in a flat, so no garden) as long as I can see what they're up to and the garden is safe and secure it's fine IMO.

Why do you ask? Has someone commented?

Oblomov · 05/04/2010 13:24

agree. fine. why are you asking ?

piscesmoon · 05/04/2010 13:25

As long as he is enjoying it I don't see a problem.

EmilyStrange · 05/04/2010 13:32

YANBU I would just check nothing has filled with water from the rain such as buckets or toys etc (I am paranoid about drowning) but you probably have done that anyway so sorry if I sound patronising.

Original poster
tryingtobemarrypoppins2 · 05/04/2010 13:34

I guess the adjustment with a newborn, I feel a bit like my radar has slipped!

OP posts:
justnally · 05/04/2010 13:39

YANBU - have done the same. Can't be attached to them all of the time and they would not appreciate being dragged into the house for a couple of minutes whilst you go for a wee!

damnedchilblains · 05/04/2010 13:55

If you can see him and there is nothing sharp/dangerous in the garden YANBU. Let him play, unless he's asking you to join in with him you have no reason to feel guilty about him playing alone.

LilRedWG · 05/04/2010 13:59

I evict DD (3) as often as possible. As long as he is in a safe environment he'll be fine. Congratulation on newborn.

pigletmania · 05/04/2010 14:43

I let my dd just 3 in the garden alone. Have done since she was about 2.5, made sure it was safe nothing that could harm her and gate is padlocked and secure. DD likes to play in all weathers and there is no way i would want to be standing outside in the garden on a cold frosty morning.

pigletmania · 05/04/2010 14:45

Oh yes i empty the bird bath (its purly decorative atm) as dd will just tip it on her or put her hand in it and splash and get really wet and messy.

Meglet · 05/04/2010 14:50

YANBU. I do the same with my 2 (3.5 & 18mo), but always have a quick check for anything that might have filled up with rainwater, then let them loose. We have a couple of rose bushes and some holly but I survived playing in gardens with it when I was younger so figure they'll soon learn not to touch it. I put their beakers and snacks outside too. Pity DD prefers to eat the mud.