Feeling guilty

[saveyourtears4]

anyone else feel guilty during summer hols?

I work 3 days a week and on my days off with kids I always make sure we go out for a few hours whether it’s a play area, park, walk etc. but I still feel guilty for them hours we are stuck in watching tv, iPads etc. I’m trying to utilise the time to sort my new house out, and the kids 3&6 do play well with each other and their toys, but sometimes it is a case of iPad time because I feel like I can’t get much done otherwise. I also want to chill out as it’s my day off too. Dad works away so it’s just me & the kids all week, and it’s a lot.

AIBU or should I feel guilty for not doing enough? What do other parents do all day to keep kids happy?

Are they at home on the days you’re working, or in kids clubs?

If they’re in clubs on your working days they’re probably pretty busy so a bit of chill out time on your days off isn’t a bad thing.

Some down time is fine it’s also good for kids to entertain themselves

I sent dd to clubs during summer holidays when she was in primary. She's a teen now but work wouldn't have let me work while she was at home.

Parenthood is set up to make you feel guilty! - resist it!

We are all human. You can't be a permanent 24 hour a day entertainer for your children. There are times when they have to entertain themselves and some of that is via TV etc.

Thank you. I can’t work from home but I only work 3 days a week, so when they’re with me I try to do as much as I can to make them happy.

Your ‘days off’ sound well balanced if you get out for a few hours spend a few hours sorting and then have downtime. The only thing I would say is can you have downtime together ie watch a film?

Ok so presumably they’re out of the house and busy on your working days?