Does anyone else feel guilty for every little thing they do? I feel like I need to be entertaining my little one at all times. If I have to put her in the activity center to finish a task, instant guilt. In the car for too long, instant guilt. Replying to work emails instead of interacting with her, instant guilt. I know independent play is good for her but my brain thinks otherwise. Please tell me it gets better, I’d love to shower for more than 10 minutes without it feeling like the world is going to collapse.
Read more on PeanutThe views expressed in community are solely the opinions of participants, and do not reflect those of Peanut.
Learn more about our guidelines.
I still feel like this!

It doesn’t get better (in my experience).

The more you do it the easier it gets! They NEED independent play to grow muscles, figure out how their body moves and also to learn how to be alone or you’ll have a toddler who can never leave your side. I stated in the mornings when my babies (twins) are happiest and I place them on opposite ends of the play mat after breakfast, while I make my own breakfast, empty they dishwasher, answer emails and they roll around and look at things until that wake window is done. Originally I made little stations and rotated them every 5mins then 6, then 7 etc working up to 10mins but now they are fine alone for the whole time just doing their thing. It’s during this time they both rolled for the first time! I can see them from the kitchen but it gives me time for me so I can be a better mom later in the day.