A mum is seeking advice after revealing that her mum takes care of her son during the week but doesn’t take him out for any activities or to the park. The woman is a mum to a boy who is nearly two years old, she says she is ‘extremely grateful’ for Grandma looking after him.
However, she is really worried about him not getting out of the house when he is with his grandmother. Whilst the grandmother looks after him for two days a week, the mum is considering nursery instead so her son can get out of the house.
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The woman has taken to Mumsnet for some advice on a situation which, she says, makes her ‘feel really down’
She wrote: “My mum has [my son] for usually 2 days per week whilst I work, he is 20 months. I’m extremely grateful for her having him and is saving us a fortune.
"She is so loving and adores [my son], I just feel a bit worried because he stays in her home all day, and mostly in the living room. She plays with him but they don’t even go out for a walk (he hates his pram), he has a long nap so that breaks up the day.
"She’s too shy to go to groups, she’s too scared to take him to the park (he is unstable on his feet and tries to run everywhere). When I pick him up I try to fit in soft play some days so he’s done something.
"When I’m with him I get him out as much as possible so he usually has busy days. I’m just worried as he loves being out the house, and am I being a bad mum putting him in this situation?
“I feel really down about it tbh and don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.”
The Mumsnet user then added that she is considering taking her son to nursery, she said: “Well I don’t want to hurt my mum's feelings. I prefer her to be with him, so I know he’s safe and loved.
“Is it unfair to keep him indoors 2 days per week? I’m considering having a chat about nursery, but then I think he will be very anxious at nursery. I don’t want any negativity please, I’m honestly just trying to do my best.”
Other Mumsnet users reassured the mum that everything is fine and it ‘sounds like a good balance’ for her child.
One user said: “2 days playing inside with his gran is totally fine, no child's development has been harmed by staying home 2 days out of 7, least you are saving money so you can take him places.”
A second added: “He'll be fine - it's only 2 days a week, and you're busy with him the remaining 5 days. He's with his granny who adores him and who presumably he adores in turn.”
A third said: “Sounds fine to me! 2 days at home with his gran’s undivided attention and the rest of the week out and about with you. Sounds like a good balance, it's good for him to play with toys, do craft or inside activities that he wouldn't be able to do while you're taking him all over the place!”
Another added: “Just wow. Honestly your mum is a Saint taking a toddler 2 days.”
The mum responded to all the advice and feels better about the situation. She replied: “Thank you, I feel a lot better about it. He is so loved by her and that makes it a lot easier being away from him. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful mum who is supporting me, I just always have this pressure to be keeping him busy. I overthink everything.”
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