Should I feel bad?

[NaatQ968]

I suffer with anxiety and have done ever since I was in a major car accident 8 years ago, I find certain things difficult.

I had my daughter 8 months ago, I started taking her to baby classes but with the cost of living, couldn't afford 90 per month for the classes.

I see pictures on social media of people taking their kids to all these different places and I feel bad I can't do that.... I think also my anxiety contributes to it too. I play with my daughter all the time, take her into the garden, the park. Take her to see family members. She's always doing something with me, might not be soft plays or clubs....

But should I feel bad for not taking her to these types of things? Just social media paints what we should be doing and I go back to work in a month and I feel I've not done enough.

Of course you shouldn't feel bad. Classes are for mums, not babies. Babies are happy watching the washing machine do its cycle. Is your child fed, clean, and loved? You're doing a great job.

I've never taken my 18 month old boy to a group, and I always had intended to start going. I used to feel bad. He spends the majority of his time with just me but when he's with family/friends, all of them comment on how happy and social and observant he is.
Don't feel bad. Like the person above says, they're more for the mums than the babies, especially with a baby as young as yours.
I would look at working on your anxiety though, if it's that much of a problem. And also stop paying so much attention to social media, it's all a front! Real life is very different..

It sounds like you are being a fab mum!!
What about looking for Mums & Tots type places?? The sort that are in Community Centres or churches-those sort of places?? Theyll only cost a couple of ££`s a session & baby will get a drink & maybe a biscuit too!!
There will be different toys to play with & different faces for both of you too!!

No you really shouldn't feel bad. I'm sure your daughter is benefitting and learning far more from playing with you and spending her time with you. As others have said, there really is no need for groups and activities - I don't think anything is more important than you spending your time with her.

I play with my daughter all the time, take her into the garden, the park. Take her to see family members. She's always doing something with me,

Sounds perfect. When your dd is older then there may be a bit more you want to do (but can't see how it would be £90 per months worth) but while they're little they don't need 'classes'.

I spend all my time with her, I love her she's great, such a funny little girl. I love it when she interacts with family and friends.

My own issues with anxiety are hard but my determination to make her happy pushes me to be better. Yeah I maybe sometimes feel anxious about leaving the house one day (especially if it's raining) but the summer is here and I'm coping much better ❤️