2 year old playing alone in the garden

[tryingtobemarrypoppins2]

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.

YANBU. And any minor hazards, like thorns etc... well... he might have to see for himself that they hurt, but no beig deal really, is it.

One thing I'd be VERY catious about is whether you're absolutely certain no one can get INTO the garden -too many horrible stories out there. Is it a closed-high fence garden, or is a semi-open one, or maybe one with a low 4ft fence, where the child is not only possibly accessible, but also visible from the street/other houses.

BTW, I'm not paranoid that paedophiles are waiting at every corner, but if it's a daily thing in an unsafe garden, then maybe the wrong person might notice and look for an opportunity.

Don't mean to scare you, my two play in the garden from a very young age and I check on them every now and then, but it's locked gates and high fence. Although recently they have started playing in the street as well, so I might be talking complete rubbish...

ds1 fell in a bucket head first once.
I was in adjacent kitchen but on the phone, heard muffled shriek, dropped phone and ran out...luckily it only contained about 3 inches of rainwater, but he was rather damp.

It could have been worse. There was a blind spot just outside conservatory, couldn't see him there.

he was 1 and a half btw.

I would do ironing and washing up which can be dropped if you see a problem, though I agree with the poster who said you shouldn't be doing too much ironing with a new baby. Not quite so sure about feeding the baby though, that might not be so easy to stop if he needed you in the garden?

I have a 3 YO and he wants to be outside all the time come rain or shine! I let him play outside and keep an eye every few minutes. H*e is a little monkey but has yet to come to any harm!

If he has water in his play table I stay out with him.

ExplodingBananas I have mastered the art of running across the room with newborn on my boob already! Poor DS2!

gobsmackedetal your scaring me! Just asked DH to change the gate to a taller one.

YANBU, v lucky he wants to amuse himself at this age, dd has been round my legs until v recently (age 3.5!!!) make the most of it!

My DS2 is 19 mths and wants to be outside all of the time. He occupied himself for an hr yesterday (in between the drizzle) with a trowel and the mud and I hovered over him like a ridiculous flake.

I am for a fact out in my back garden tomorrow setting up a todder friendly zone.

YANBU.

TTBMP2 - there's nothing wrong with this and much to be gained (for both of you!!).

It is great for him to learn to play on his own, there is no need for you to join in all of his games.

BUT just check for water first as small children can drown in the smallest amount of water, way less than it makes any sense for them to be able to do so.

As for ironing - nucking futs you are

My DS2 plays in our garden when he gets back from nursery. In fact i have to chase him into the kitchen to come for his snack. I watch from window or open door. Garden is secure and not overlooked. He's happy and i get to watch the telly do my housework in peace....

YANBU.

As others have said, if it is safe and you can see him, fine.

I wish that I had your issue. DS has spent his life since 10mths in a flat. If I had had the opportunity to let him play in a garden I would have. It does them good!