is it bad to always be home with an 8 month old?

Re: is it bad to always be home with an 8 month old?

• jsugrin member

  February 2011

  I don't think it's bad at all.  It's how I've lived with both my kiddos, I'm just not an on the go, go, go person.  Heck i have a hard time just keeping up with the energy of my kids let alone having a million engagements to juggle.  They are both incredibly sociable, love to be around other kids and adults so I don't think I stunted their growth or anything by not getting them out a ton when they were little.  I will say that now that they're older they are happier when we've got some kind of activity going on but it can be going to the grocery store, they're just thrilled to get out of the house.

  So really, I think that whatever works for you and family is just fine.
  

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• luvmybaby28 member

  February 2011

  jsugrin:

  I don't think it's bad at all.  It's how I've lived with both my kiddos, I'm just not an on the go, go, go person.  Heck i have a hard time just keeping up with the energy of my kids let alone having a million engagements to juggle.  They are both incredibly sociable, love to be around other kids and adults so I don't think I stunted their growth or anything by not getting them out a ton when they were little.  I will say that now that they're older they are happier when we've got some kind of activity going on but it can be going to the grocery store, they're just thrilled to get out of the house.

  So really, I think that whatever works for you and family is just fine.
  

  thanks so much for the words of encouragement, this is exactly what I needed to hear

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• lisa5201 member

  February 2011

  I really don't think baby's need classes, enjoy, maybe, need, def not. I do think DD really enjoys seeing and being around other kids though. Maybe that's just more her personality. I try to let her be around kids or other babies at least once a week at story time or recently we've started mommy and me yoga. If your kid could care less about other kids though, I really don't think it matters. 

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• hst

  February 2011

  My DD rarely leaves the house.  Either myself, my DH, or my mom is here with here.  I try to get her outside for walks when it's nice, but it's been so cold and snowy that she hasn't been out too much (once or twice a week for a little walk in the Ergo).  We get together with friends maybe once a month.  Like a pp said, I'm just not a go, go, go person.  When the weather is better I plan to get to the beach with her and the dog, and I think that will be fun for her.

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• susanmosley member

  February 2011

  luvmybaby28:

  Meaning, am I depriving him by not taking him to classes, play dates, etc?  

  NO 

  ETA: and if you want me to go on my tangent about how social development in neurotypical infants and toddlers is a part of neurological development and not a function of imitation or peer/adult modeling/"socialization", I will be happy to. 

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• zeesbride

  February 2011

  susanmosley:

  luvmybaby28:

  Meaning, am I depriving him by not taking him to classes, play dates, etc?  

  NO 

  ETA: and if you want me to go on my tangent about how social development in neurotypical infants and toddlers is a part of neurological development and not a function of imitation or peer/adult modeling/"socialization", I will be happy to. 

   I would be happy to read that SM. I always enjoy your perspective!

  OP: No way. Do what feels comfortable and natural to you. 

  

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• Ruby_Soho

  February 2011

  zeesbride:

  susanmosley:

  luvmybaby28:

  Meaning, am I depriving him by not taking him to classes, play dates, etc?  

  NO 

  ETA: and if you want me to go on my tangent about how social development in neurotypical infants and toddlers is a part of neurological development and not a function of imitation or peer/adult modeling/"socialization", I will be happy to. 

   I would be happy to read that SM. I always enjoy your perspective!

  OP: No way. Do what feels comfortable and natural to you. 

  I'd be really interested to read that too! Or links if you have them and can't be bothered typing!

  Oh and OP: FWIW I take DS to coffee group once a week. A group of 10 Mums, we did our ante-natal class together. We meet every Thursday at 11:30 for an hour or two. The babies chill on the floor and are starting to interact and we all have a cup of tea and a bit of baking. It's good for me to get out of the house and I think DS enjoys some new scenery!

  On Friday mornings we go to mini muscles which is a class to promote movement and interaction. It gives us ideas on ways to physically interact with ours babies and also to play with them. We talk about what stage they're at and how to make toys from items around the house to stimulate them in their particular stage. It's a lovely class and as they get older there's gym mats, climbing things, trampolines etc. It's not essential to do the class but I feel we both get a lot out of it. It's also run by a charitable trust do it's $5 for an hour which I reckon is a bargain!
  

  
  

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• HappyMommy28 member

  February 2011

  I don't think it's wrong at all.   I felt guilty too so I found some mom and me classes.  Being a FTM I was nervous about bonding.  I found a mom and me class at a library.   I like it but I think it would be better if he was old.  I also found a Mom and me yoga class.  By far my favorite.  I learn ways to incorporate him into routines and get a great  bonding experience.  I love getting the opportunity to share something I love with my son.  Not to mention - its good for me too!  We haven't really done play dates.  We did one with a gal that was in my birth class and I've met some moms at the zoo.  All in good fun!
  

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