One mother is concerned for her child as her mum takes care of the boy two days a week. The mum, who shared her story on social media, says the grandmother looks after her son a few days each week is a massive help.
However, the anonymous woman is concerned that the pair do not leave the house on the days she takes control. The child, who is said to be nearly two years old, does not get taken to do any classic activities, such as a walk in the park or play groups for children, reports NottinghamshireLive.
The mum is now considering the possibility of putting her son into nursery so that he can get out more, and says the situation makes her feel 'really down' despite being ‘extremely grateful' for her mother's help while she is at work.
The toddler's wellbeing and development is said to be at the forefront of the mother's mind but she did explain some reasons why the pair do activities at home instead.
She wrote on Mumsnet: “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. 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 users on the parenting forum assured the mother there was nothing wrong with the grandmother's tactic. One wrote: “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!”
The mother was calmed by what others had said as 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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