How much time should I spend with my 16 month old? I am a SAHM and I go to college online plus do all of the housework, bills, cook, etc. I feel like I am not spending enough time with him although I play with him and read to him. I am very busy! He's seems happy and content to play by himself sometimes. How much time should I spend with him? I feel like I don't spend a lot of time with him...
2006-07-25 05:32:43 · 5 answers · asked by mommy_2_little_man 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Toddler & Preschooler
Let your son be your guide, he will let you know if you aren't spending enough time with him by either acting out or withdrawing from you completely. It sounds like you are doing just fine, it helps to include him in some of what you are doing, like if you are doing dishes give him a pot and spoon to play with on the floor in the kitchen or if you are doing schoolwork give him some books and have Him do "schoolwork" too.
2006-07-25 07:08:01 · answer #1 · answered by totspotathome 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You be the role model, you work and take care of your family.
Busy is good (overwhelmed is bad).
You do need some perspective though with time. You say you do ALL the housework, bills ect. Does that include -- earning ALL the income.
The concern here is not your son (you said he's happy) its you doing ALL. What a shame, you're NOT doing all but you are being swayed by the SELFISH part of the women's movement that measures happiness by how much their man does at the house and not by what he contributes to the family. Like an income that gives your son a stay at home parent.
I think you described a pretty good life, I'd be thankful for what I had if I were you -- life is a lot more miserable for most the people in the world.
Your son is lucky.
2006-07-25 12:47:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't beat yourself up. You know when you really haven't indulged him. Go with your gut. Babies need some "down" time to pick and the rug or discover their Legos. Seriously. No one wants to be engaged every moment of every day. Plan some of your work for times when he's sleeping so you have time to go to the wading pool or park. Take care of yourself, too. A happy mommy = a happy baby. I think a half-hour watching Super Nanny will be a big help to you - she really does stress that you need to use organization to get the most out of your day and that you need to be yourself some of the time, as well.
2006-07-25 12:42:26 · answer #3 · answered by chrissy j 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As much time as you can. Lot's of people are busy and don't feel they get enough time with their children. I know you never stop moving but if this really bothers you, MAKE time, 30 minutes a day just to play with him. Sometimes you can't do everything.Just make sure he knows how much you love him.
2006-07-25 12:38:03 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you are there and he is there with you then you are doing the right thing....you cant put quality time on a schedule...
2006-07-25 12:38:05 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋