To all of you Mommies, former and present (and future too if you have something!):
As I write Olivia is taking some "quiet time" in her crib. She is tired, but will not fall asleep. Instead of bringing her back downstairs where I know she will cry and cling to me, I am letting her take her quiet time. Even though I know it's okay, I can't help but feel guilty. So please tell me I'm not the only one who has done this!!
I don't know why I feel guilty, she isn't even crying!! :)
4 comments:
When they're little like that, I always feel guilty, too. Like I should always be interacting with them. Phooey--that quiet time is good for them AND it helps us be more loving and happy mommies! Some parenting experts actually recommend a designated quiet time every day starting around Olivia's age so that she can learn to play on her own. Trust me, as time goes on, this is a skill that you will REALLY want her to have! Ha, ha!
Thanks Sarah! I do appreciate her more when I get a little break. She does pretty good playing by herself, but now that she can crawl she thinks its more fun to come over to Mommy than to play! :)
It's a very important skill for them to master--that of being able to amuse themselves, and put themselves to sleep without any other person near them, or even for that matter, a pet.
You shouldn't feel guilty for having her learn a skill that she needs.
Her quiet time should be yours, too.
Love Grammy Mc
This is obviously your first child, right? I'm on my second, and on regular occasions, I tell them to go to their rooms and play because mommy needs a "time out". It's usually 30 minutes of child-free time when I know I'm on the verge of a meltdown. Before it gets to that point, I declare mommy time out and put my son in his crib with books and my 3 y.o. daughter goes to her room to play. Don't feel guilty. It's called, "Taking care of yourself!" And that will make you a better mommy in the end.
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