Shielding and Screen Time ALL DAY

[TwinkleDiamond]

I’m pregnant and have a 4yo. Husband is self isolating due to symptoms and me and DD are shielding as well as a precaution.
My DH usually supports me a lot with DD and household chores so no complaints in that aspect at all.
I have felt the shielding to be necessary as, if either me or DD got the virus, it would send my anxiety through the roof.
Anyhow, we are both pretty much cooped in our bedroom and I am lucky that my DD is completely understanding as I have explained the issues of Coronavirus and how we have to stay inside to keep ourselves safe - and she’s fully cooperative!

But I’m not feeling too great. My indigestion is at an all time high, I already feel like I’m taking far too much rennie, I feel weak and tired and have a headache even though I’m not “doing anything” physical.

As a result, I have found it (shamefully) easier time just give DD any amount of screen time as she likes.
So pretty much, the TV is on throughout the whole day and the ipad and my phone is available to her whenever she wants.

I’m not able to do crafts as the room is too small and unsuitable. She gets bored of drawing/colouring within 5 minutes.
All I can really do (non screen related) is book reading which she can’t do more than 20 mins of (multiple books).
Sometimes, we’ll play role play games like doctor/patient but again, I can’t for more than 15-20 minutes before I feel I need a break.

It’s just easier when I can plonk her in front of a screen to relax and rest.

It’s so terrible I know, but we are only a week in and still have a week more to go in this room without DH help.

Am I a terrible mother?

No! You are not a terrible mother. Needs must. She will be fine.

Honestly don't worry about it.
We are on day 10 of doing the same.
My youngest and me were isolated in one room and another child downstairs with dad.
Screens have been our saviour.

It's needs must, we are all living in a nightmare, just do you best and don't stress about it .

Xx

Thank you @thesunisoutout I almost feel like crying with relief that there’s at least one person who doesn’t think it’s completely bad of me

Of course you're not a bad mum. This is temporary, and you're doing the best you can in the circumstances. If it was like this for her entire childhood it would be different... but this isn't!

It's fine

Our TV was on pretty much all day long in my family when we were kids and we all turned out fine

Lots of screen time in these circumstances isn't a problem, but I urge you to try and consider what you are doing and why.

Staying in one room with a four year old is madness , and unless absolutely necessary, really unfair on your child.

You need to stay in your property, not one room. If you want to stay seperate from your husband, he stays in the room, and you guys have the run of the house. If you have a garden, go out there lots as it's lovely sunny weather.

What I'm suggesting may increase your anxiety, but that needs to be balanced against your child's wellbeing also.

Unless you have certain heart conditions, shielding is not necessary during pregnancy btw.

No just go with it and if you are more tired than usual you might be fight the virus and so best to keep activity and stress to a minimum.

Have you had the shielding letter? Is that why you're shielding?

Thank you very much for your responses ladies.

We have extended family living with us and unfortunately, another family member is also exhibiting symptoms so we have all decided to retreated to our own rooms (as some of us fall under high risk category).
It’s not great in our home at the moment
But we all have no choice but to see this through for 14 days.

No, I didn’t receive a shielding letter, but the covid19 news freaked me out way before the lockdown was even enforced and I stopped going out.
It seemed like anyone and everyone was catching it and I didn’t want to risk anything, especially to the unborn baby because of me.

I’ve always been a “homey” gal anyway and enjoy the comfort of my home than going out so I’m not as affected mentally for having to stay in.
My DD is the same as me I think.
I can live without the close proximity of DH even though that means I’m not getting the usual help.

It’s just the worry of too much screen time.
I will try and do other engaging activities when my energy levels are up.

Thank you again