Depression and being a better parent

[elliej83]

I feel like Covid and my depressing is really damaging my relationship with my 4 year old son and I don't know how to get out of this hole.
I have two afternoons a week off with him and weekends. Before lockdown and even in the summer would we would have a great time..we would go to lots of different places and have fun. Covid has really damaged my mental health and I really don't want to go anywhere or do anything, especially now the weather is poor. He doesn't really want to engage in many activities at home like baking etc so we literally end up watching TV all day every day, or he does and I end up mindlessly scrolling on my phone.
I am so fed up of feeling like a shit mother and like I lost another weekend. I don't even know where to start with doing something else. Please help! I don't want to live like this.

Make ypurself take him out every day.
Rain or not.
Take his scooter or bike.
Go to local park or other route.
Try to spot signs of spring or count red and blue cars.

Could you just try and do one short activity? Maybe painting or baking is too ambitious a start point and smaller things would work better. Just reading together, maybe some songs, some tickles/rough play.

Could you think of some TV you would like to watch together? I find Disney films are good for giving you something to talk about afterwards and learning little bits of the songs and character phrases. Just laughing together is great.

Could he help you do the housework or could you get outside in the garden (if you have one?)

Be gentle with yourself. These are strange times, and everyone is muddling through the best they can. The days will get warmer and longer again. The vaccines are being rolled out and the lockdowns and tiers will come to an end, if not immediately then it's coming. So if watching tv and browsing the internet is getting you through then that's not so bad.

OP I've felt like this for years. Way before Covid. I totally understand.
I have to make a monumental effort to go a walk but it is ALWAYS worth it. I often feel wobbly before we set off. Put a big coat over your pyjamas or joggers and just do round the block at first, having a good look about and chatting about things you see. The more you do it the more you'll be able to. Often the getting ready seems insurmountable to me.
Also have tv on but sit on the floor with him and have drawing paper and pens out and you doodle as you watch tv. He'll join in I bet. Also, teddy bears picnic on the living room carpet. All the cuddlies down stairs, picnic food he can help get ready. Cushions on the floor.
I really understand. Have tv off after lunch and say "We're sorting socks on mummy's bed now. Who can do it the quickest?"
Duvets down and toy animals. Scotland make caves and dens with him.
Another morning "We're making pancakes for breakfast!"
I stated things instead of asking if he wanted to.
I hope this helps a bit. I have been where you are. You are not a shit mum

*sit and not Scotland xx