It was a simple ask. Soft voice. Big eyes. One hand holding up a tiny animal figurine, the other already halfway to creating a world I hadn’t been invited into for days.
And I said, “Not right now.” Again.
Not because I didn’t love him. Not because I didn’t want to. But because I was elbow-deep in dishes, halfway through folding laundry, mentally prepping dinner, and riding the mental load rollercoaster with no brakes.
He sighed. Quietly. Not a tantrum. Not dramatic. Just a soft little drop in energy — and he walked away.
It hit me later, like most mum guilt does — once the house was quiet and the weight of the day finally caught up with me.
How many little invitations had I brushed off? How many “Not right now” answers had stacked up into a message I didn’t mean to send?
Not right now. Not this minute. Maybe later.
All valid. All real. But together, they start to feel like not ever.
We talk about big mum guilt moments — snapping, yelling, missing milestones. But there’s a quieter guilt that comes with constantly deferring connection in favour of responsibility.
The kind that comes from knowing this season of toddlerhood is short and sweet… and still not having the capacity to soak it all up.
I didn’t ruin anything by saying no. He was fine. He found something else to do. But I felt the ache of that little missed moment.
Not a big rule. Not a pressure rule. Just a soft little promise:
If I can say yes, I will. Even if just for 3 minutes. Even if it’s just one little story in his game before I go back to the to-do list. Even if it’s just letting him sit beside me and narrate what his dinosaurs are doing while I’m peeling potatoes.
The dishes will wait. The house won’t fall apart. The world won’t end if I pause for a five-minute farm animal rescue mission.
I still say “Not right now.” I’m still stretched, human, tired. But I’m more mindful. I’m trying to say yes — not to the game, but to him.
And every time I do, his face lights up like I’ve just said yes to Disneyland.
Which makes me wonder: maybe those tiny yeses are the biggest things I’ll ever give him.
From magnetic tiles to dolls and pretend kitchens, these 15 toddler toys are actually worth the shelf space — and designed to encourage solo play
Delve into the world of loose parts play with our selection of toys that inspire exploration and innovation. Perfect for enhancing your toddler’s sensory and
Simple, real-life play space ideas for toddlers that spark imagination, support independence, and give you a moment to breathe — no Pinterest-perfect setup required.
When the milk spills, the toddler tantrums, and your patience snaps before 9AM — you’re not failing. This is one mum’s story of surviving the
Discover how a simple toddler play schedule can create calmer days, boost independent play, and give you back precious breathing space — no strict routines
One chaotic morning, I realised the tension in the house wasn’t just coming from my toddler — it was coming from me. This is the
