Parental guilt is something that seems to start before the baby is born and last until . . . well does it end? The reasons for the guilt change as the child does but there is always something you could be doing different, better. My current guilt lies in the question 'do I play with my child enough?'
We don't talk about the times we leave them too it whilst we tidy/hang the washing out/ clean the bathroom/ wash up or that portion of the day we may put the telly on as we drink a cup of tea and check facebook. The truth is that I do not play with Dylan all day. I love the fact that he can entertain himself. Surround him with a box and some balls and there is an hour's entertainment, throwing them all in, emptying them out again - the cycle goes on.
Obviously we play together. We build towers, talk to the puppets, read books and have cuddles. But do we do it enough? How much parental stimulation do they need? Everyday Dylan and I go out, whether it is to see friends, to a baby group, to the park or to the beach. Everyday we read a book, we eat our lunch together and we have cuddles. But there are still signifigant portions of the day where I am in the same room but doing my own thing.
I love my son to bits and am greatful that I get to stay at home with him during the week, but spending all day on the floor talking to an eleven month old would drive me crazy! The monotony of tower building, ball throwing, button pushing and shape sorting can get a bit too much for me. I think teaching a child independant play is also a great thing for them as long as they know you are there if they need you.
So I would love to hear from you, how much do you play with your child? Do you ever feel guilt that you are not doing it enough? It was only recently that I confided in a friend my worries and it was so reassuring to know we shared this guilt and we both gave our children plenty of time for independent play. I am sure we are not the only ones out there with these worries?!?
