Feel like I'm hindering my son's development 😔

This is coming from a totally non-judgemental place but I feel like you’ve answered your own question here, my lovely! I fully get that it can be exhausting and repetitive getting these things out, but that’s exactly what they need at this age. They don’t need fancy or expensive stuff, just encouragement with basic skills and tasks like the things you mentioned. Maybe try to get into a bit of a routine, like every time he eats give him 30 minutes to let it settle and play alone and then set aside 30 minutes to play with him and work on some sort of toy/skill. Some things they do just pick up themselves and learn but you’re right, some of it is on you to teach him. I hope this didn’t come across as rude or patronising- the important thing is that you’ve acknowledged it ♥️

You know what, I feel exactly the same. Between working full time and not sleeping properly I just don’t seem to have the energy or capacity to think of how to play. Sad to say I rely on Mrs Rachel….i am trying to be more mindful though and have brought a parachute recently and more developmental toys x

@Jane I totally hear this, after a full day of work or by the time the weekend hits it can be SO hard to summon the inner Proactive Mum! X

@Layla 💯 but it’s weird because me and my husband have now agreed to no screen time and just playing with our little one for at least 30 minutes. Hands up 🙌 to the single parents though because damn!! I respect them so much more x

I really feel like this is such a difficult age. My daughter will play by throwing things around and there’s a few toys that light up that she likes. Everything else is just chucked around the room. I’ve also tried the stacking rings for what seems like forever, but she just never puts the rings back on. However, she is amazing outside and really confident in the local park. She will climb things and walks on the rope bridge confidently, so that helps massively to reduce screen time.

@Layla no you're absolutely right, I need to be more involved. I will try this today. Thank you!

I think a balance of both playing together AND independent play would be perfect for their development. I have a 1yo and a 4yo and first time around I played with him constantly (which I didn’t enjoy it was out of the same guilt your feeling) and now he still doesn’t play independently, always want me to join in… I think it the bonding they want more than anything. So with my 1yo now I let her play independently and then bond by getting her to ‘help’ me with thinks like sorting the washing etc which she enjoys both…. Hope it stays that way haha! You’re doing great mama :) xx

@Natalya 🫶🏼 on the plus side, it sounds like you have a lovely independent little one is able to play by themselves, which is good for their development in a lot of ways! And resilience! Good luck 🙂

Try and attend play and stay session? You're sort of forced to play with them and its designated time you can set aside to do this x

I’m the same and I feel guilty about it because I’ve never been a playful mum I get bored far to quickly I maybe take 5/10 to try but like @Jane said I also rely on ms Rachel which is sad to say but my little boy learnt how to say “hiiii” and how to dance and and how to stack blocks (he doesn’t get much screen time) but when he does he learns so much he also plays alone where he has time to teach himself just try your best to give 10/20 minutes each time to try and teach something because when they do get it it’s so rewarding to watch them do it and think “I taught them that” and be proud x

Recommend a book called ‘playful parenting’ it has lots of tips xx