Not going out much with toddler over the weekends

[Lavendarsoap1234]

Just that really. DS is 17 months old. Literally non-stop pouring rain where I live several weekends in a row and incessant nursery bugs. DS is in the nursery for 4 days a week and they go out to their winter garden twice every day even if the weather is bad, but in the weekends we have only been doing maybe 10 minutes when it's not raining in the garden or popping to the shop which is maybe 30 minutes. Am I doing him a disservice? He has a room full of toys and plenty of space to run around and seems happy but mum guilt hits me some nights around this time

Could you pop some waterproofs on him so he can still play outside when it's wet? If he's happy then i wouldn't worry too much about it unless you would like to get out and about.

Fresh air, proper exercise and a change of scenery are very good for toddlers (and everyone else). If he's staying in the house three days a week, every week (apart from 10 minutes outside) then you probably should make the effort to take him out more. Three days at home, four days at nursery isn't giving him a particularly broad or exciting view of the world. It doesn't need to be big trips out, just change of scenery, new experience, proper exercise, fresh air.

Doesn't sound great tbh

I think a day like this occasionally is fine but not as a routine.

It's been a rubbish spring and summer for weather but we've tried to embrace it. We got new wellies (wasn't expecting to buy them until the autumn) and just went for it in the rain! My little boy would splash in puddles all day if he could.

Don't beat yourself up about it, you're obviously a good mum as you're reflecting on it. I do agree with the previous poster though that 4 days at nursery then 3 mainly at home is not a very wide world for your child. They don't need big, long days out but a splashy walk somewhere each day will make a big difference to their world!

I think fresh air and exercise are very important, just need the right clothes. Occasional home days but not all weekend every weekend.

There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!

Pop on a puddle suit and get splashing.

Fresh air is good for you both.

Tots that age are happy jumping in puddles.

When I had toddlers we would do something like that if it was wet. Or take them to the cafe and meet with a friend or grandparent. Or do a play date. Or visit family.

Or go to the library.

If the weather is better you can go to the park. I used to try and find different ones in our area so we didnt just go to the same one. If you are a reasonable distance from a seafront or a walking/cycling trail they are good to go to.

It also breaks the day up. If you are on your own with a little one the day can feel long.

Is that why we have soft plays

I never stayed in a whole day - I would have been climbing the walls and I found I much easier to parent out of the house - but appreciate I was lucky as we lived opposite a park and were in it at least every day rain or shine.