I go to college online and am pretty busy with housework, cooking, etc and I have a 16 month old son?

Question

Sometimes I feel like I am not paying enough attnetion to him. How do I know if I am? He seems happy and content to play by himself a lot. I read to him and play with him.

Answer 1

I was in the same situation for awhile. It was hard, feel good that he can be content playing by himself for periods of time. Sounds like you're doing fine. My kids refused to let me do my homework and stuff. They were 2 and 6 months when I was doing it. I had to wait until they were in bed to do classes. Then I lost a lot of sleep because that's the only time I could do it.

Answer 2

Really, this is something only you can answer. Think of the work having a puppy is going to entail. Walks, feeding, getting up in the night to let it out to pee, vet trips, socialisation, training, housebreaking... all take time and effort. It is up to you to decide whether you could cope with this AND a rambunctious toddler - and potentially more children too. If you can genuinely cope, go ahead and get the puppy. If you know you cannot, then it is perfectly within your right to not get one until you and your family are ready. But please don't be one of those misguided fools who think they can cope with a cute little puppy and a baby, then realise they can't and dump the puppy in a shelter within 6 months. Nobody wins in a situation like that, least of all the dog. DO YOUR THINKING NOW, not six months down the line. Bare in mind that most shelters and reputable breeders do not house a puppy in a home with very young children. I think they have a point. Don't know where UHaveToBe has got 9 years old from. If a family has sensible children, there is no reason why a shelter or reputable breeder would not sell them a dog - even if they have children under the age of 9. 16 months is very young though.

Answer 3

I too attend college online and I have a almost 17 month old son. I know where you are comming from. I work full time so he is at daycare during the day. At this age it seems like they are very independent. My son just wants to do his own thing. When you are doing housework ask him to help. My son loves to put things in the trash and take the trash to the dump. He also loves to sweep. Kids at this age mimic what they see their parents(usually the mother) doing. Try to involve them in your housework. Or when you are cooking give them a pot or pan and a wooden spoon and tell them to cook with you. They will play on the floor beside you. This way you can get your work done and play with your son. If he doesn't seem too interested I wouldn't worry too much about it. As for school, I am able to post my assignments by midnight the night they are due, and I usually work on the assignments at work or when the baby is sleeping. I don't know if you go to work or not, but a good time to do your school work is when he is napping or down for the night. When do you put him to bed. I put my son to bed at about 7:30. That gives me a good amount of time to get my school work done. Also if you get your syllubus ahead of time you can always work ahead on your school work. That way you are ahead instead of behind. : ) Hope this helps

Answer 4

Sounds like you're doing a great job. If you think you need to do more and can then go for it. If you are getting stressed about tests or work or anything, put it aside for a few and go on a walk with your son. The fresh air combined with his bubbling laughter will be sure to remind you how much he loves and appreciates you.

Be strong and remember, you're doing a good thing with the online courses and it can only improve your future. Even if you cannot devote all of your time to your son now, it will pay off in the end.

Good luck. Chin up!

Answer 5

If you are playing with your son and reading to him it sounds like you are spending a good amount of time with him. A 16-month-old child will explore on his own, and he'll find plenty of things to keep him occupied. Just having you around the house is helping to keep him happy. As long as there is happiness (not a lot of anger or loud noise) around your son and you are taking care of his basic needs (feeding, changing, etc.) and also taking time to spend one-on-one with him, he is fine, and you are doing a great job. If you feel that you need to spend some more time with him go ahead and take 5-minute breaks every now and then and give your son your full attention, playing, reading, getting his attention and making eye contact with him so he knows you are with him. Sounds like you're doing a wonderful job so far. Keep it up, Mom!

Answer 6

Thank you for asking this question. I, too, am in a similar situation
(I work full-time) and sometimes feel like I can do much more with my 15 month old son. My opinion: You are doing a great job! Stay strong and keep moving forward!

Answer 7

Sounds like you're doing a great job. Don't worry if you feel he isn't getting enough attention, it's good that he is okay by himself. Just interact with him as much as you can while you're doing housework, cooking, etc.

Answer 8

Don't be so hard on yourself! We have 2 boys ages 1+3. I go to school online, work part time, cook/clean/shop. The best advice is to save the school work for after the kiddies' bedtime!

Answer 9

Well I think that a child needs to experience individuality. You can't always be with him. As long as you tell him and show him that you love him helps. He knows you are their for him when you feed him, bath him, put him to sleep and play with him.I think that's all we can do for him as a stay at home mom. I am a stay at home mom of two boys, and I also take on line classes. This is what i have learned for those four years

Answer 10

with being that busy and still having time to play with him and read to him, you are doing an amazing job. he is content with being by himself for a bit, considering that a blessing hun.