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Challenge: I Feel Bad About...

I don't always want to play with my kid

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First let me start by saying that I love my child to pieces. Like I would cut off my arm for my child. But lately my toddler has started doing this thing where as soon as I sit down to drink a cup of coffee or have a few minutes to myself, he comes over, grabs my shirt or my hand and yanks me to his playroom. I eventually end up giving in, being dragged with coffee in hand until I sit down on the floor and start playing cars with my son. I know you're all thinking that sounds so selfish but the truth is I don't always want to play with my kid. Does that make me a bad mom? I don't think it does.

There's only so many times I can read "Brown Bear Brown Bear" or get hit with a ball while my son practices his indoor hockey (thanks for buying him that hockey stick honey). It's never quiet. Any moments of silence are quickly interrupted with a shrill "Mama!" or "Mommy!" until I turn my attention away from whatever it is I am doing and focus on my son.

I know they won't be this little for long. But I think it's important that kids know how to occupy themselves. I also think that independent play can foster problem solving.

Still, the guilt is overwhelming. Can't a girl just drink her coffee and watch her Lifetime in peace and quiet?


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