Struggling with 18 month old and no garden

[MozFan]

I’m really finding this difficult now. Moreso when I see lots of posts on Facebook of other toddlers my DS’s age and older children playing out in the sunshine in paddling pools and tents etc.
I was very fortunate growing up as we had a decent sized garden with space for a paddling pool, sandpit and slide. Amongst other things like swingball.
I’m feeling inadequate and it’s so hard not to compare.
I feel like I’m letting my DS down in some way.
When we bought our current house I was pregnant and it was all we could afford, as gardens are at a premium in this area due to it being unusual to have one. This wasn’t the case where I grew up so it’s fairly new to me.
I know there are much worse things happening in the world right now but I feel so rubbish about it all, especially with lockdown as it intensifies things much more of course. We do get out for our walk once a day and we have a field across the road which has a stream and lots of grass to play on , but it’s not the same as relaxing in your own garden, eating out there etc.

I think everyone is just doing their best at this time, and being at home at the time is going to make everyone find flaws in their living situation! We have the TINIEST house. We literally kick our toddler out into the garden first thing in the morning and bring him in late afternoon as we have no room for anything inside. I’m now really worrying about number two coming along in six months as god knows where we’re going to put it!

We do get out for our walk once a day and we have a field across the road which has a stream and lots of grass to play on , but it’s not the same as relaxing in your own garden, eating out there etc.

I know it must feel a bit crap without a garden, but if it makes you feel better - there is no relaxing in a garden with an 18 month old mine was that age last year and I spent most the time outside stopping him putting every pebble/leaf/handful of mud in his mouth amongst lots of other mischief. It’s lovely this year now he’s an older toddler, but last year it really wasn’t all that. Don’t believe everything you see on FB, you’re not missing out on that much. Walks across an open field are much more preferable at that age

I'm going to be harsh.

Very, very many people like yourself do not have a back garden. It is not the end of the world!

As long as you spend time talking to and encouraging your child, whether its on walks or to the park or fields if you can access them, your child will be fine.

Sometimes reading all the stuff on here about the perfect suburban life, can make people feel inadequate. Don't fall down that rabbit hole!