The most Challenging yet..

I absolutley love that my little Action man can now walk on his own...I love the freedom it gives him - I really do.

I don't love the freedom it has taken away from me.

Lately I feel like I can't go anywhere unless it involves an enclosed space and I am feeling a little closed in.

You see my little one is at that stage where if he is on the ground he runs away. Yet - he will not sit still in his pram for any length of time either. It is driving me mental.

So far the only solution I have is to put up with it or only go to enclosed pay spaces or people homes.

No longer can I go anywhere for coffee with friends - it is not relaxing. Often I end up feeling more stressed than anything else becausea) I spend the entire time chasing after him - who thinks it is a big game. and B) I don't actually get to participate in conversation at all.

I come away thinking about the kind of impression I must have made and how people must have thought I was so rude - and spend 3 hours beating myself up about it.

It is no fun at all!

I don't think there is any solustion really because there are no dedicated spaces where you can go and have a coffee and a chat and have a safe area for the babies to play in when they are this little and walking. Most places are designed for older kids.

I know I know - this too shall pass - but until then I will feel trapped and frustrated.

This post was written for the Steady Mom 30 Minute BLog Challenge.

Comments

[Janine]

I remember those days, really I do. My 3 girls are older now, and believe it or not I have moments when I miss those days. *sigh* Don't beat yourself up, Mom...we've all been there. Now when I see moms like you in public, I want to offer to walk their kids around the store for 20 minutes so the mom can sit and have her coffee! It is frustrating, but it's only for now. What if you went at naptime? Would he fall asleep in his stroller? Just a thought.

[Emily from ReadyToWait.com]

I remember this stage too. The solution of gathering together in people's homes can actually be cozy if you let it. Coffee or even a glass of wine. A chance to talk with others was always worth the mess at the end of the "playgroup." That and a good babysitter :-) My favorite parenting/child-development author, Louise Bates Ames, always says you don't need to feel guilty at all leaving your child with a loving caregiver so that you can have a moment to breathe. Hang in there!