I never take my toddler out

[Wednesday23]

I have an 19 month old daughter and I almost never take her out. I've never taken her to a park or toddler group and I feel so guilty about it. I work and I don't drive so taking her places is really hard. We have fun at home and she's a happy kid but it always eats away at me.

If she seems happy then I wouldn't worry. I went to toddler group etc for me as much as the kids. Somewhere for me to get out the house and them to play.

If she's happy just doing what you do then no need for toddler specific activities. You can put her in nursery later on for social interaction.

Generations of children grew up quite happily, having never attended organised baby groups etc. The OP'S child is interacting with other children etc but just not at any organised group. Relax OP.

Just for a slightly different perspective... I am raising my sons on a very small island where there is nothing much for children except outdoor parks and the library. We go to the beach, take a walk, go to the store, visit a park. But that's it. One is in preschool, one attends daycare twice a week. The toddler is very high maintenance and it's hard to take him anywhere! I think we are doing just fine - they're both well-adjusted, bright and happy kids. You do what you can with what you've got. Your little one will be fine!

Your heading says you never take her out but actually what you meant to type was that your toddler goes out a lot and the only thing she doesn't do is go to a group that stopped because of Covid. Right.

Not read any replies.

Honestly? Parks are a bit shit until they can run about from swing to slide on their own. Have a look to see if there's a park near where you go for lunch or if you are going to the shops, when the weather is better then you can go there before or after doing what you need to. But I've lost count of the number of days spent out my mind with boredom at the park maneouvreing a barely walking toddler to a swing. Or getting a stubborn toddler to move from the top of a slide that is just too high to rreach. You've not missed out. And the child hasn't missed out on outdoor fun if you go to a wood tbh.

OP,
I've just read your update. You're fine. Nothing wrong with how you are raising her.

I know that this is a really old post but I just wanted to say that what you’ve said here has restored my faith in humanity. This site is anxiety inducing for single parents/parents with MHI & PND. I can only assume the HUGELY judgemental people commenting on this post have tip-top mental health, have never faced adversity and have plenty of money/security - and also have zero - compassion/empathy. Well done you 👏 I’m sure you helped the OP to feel better and encouraged.