Feeling guilty for doing nothing

[emilyin]

Does any other parent feel guilty for doing nothing after school etc? I pick my kids up from school 4/5 days and I’m exhausted when we get home especially in the heat, so I just want to chill but I feel so guilty doing nothing. I usually clean or take them to the park for a bit but today I just want to lie on the sofa… should I feel bad for doing that? They do loads of extra activity ie swimming lessons, sports clubs, we have a big garden with trampoline and lots of toys… I still feel like I should entertain more..

How old are they? Can't they play independently or together? Kids don't need constant stimulation, it's fine for them to entertain themselves. Especially after a full day of school.

Your constant presence and the familiarity of their home is more than enough. Life has its seasons: seasons of needing to rest are an important part of life. You are modelling to your children that, when days are busy and it's hot, it's great to chill at home. When they become adults they won't need to be constantly ON and exhaust themselves just because society tells them to. I say great job!

No you’re fine you need the rest

id say it’s fine, I’m also exhausted in the afternoons. I just find it hard to balance the screens if we don’t do anything after school so have them in a lot of extracurricular stuff in the evenings especially my 10 year old

What are they doing? If they’re glued to screens for hours on end then that’s not good but if they’re pottering around, playing, watching some tv and so on, that’s fine.