use nap-time or times when he's already occupied with things to tackle anything that is more time-sensitive (maybe dinner or washing up), and learn to put up with lower standads for the rest. You've already been given great advice, and if you're the kind of mother who feels that McNuggests and television aren't beneficial then you're doing fine. We all second-guess ourselves once in a while, and it doesn't sound like you're getting much support. I've found that the world as a whole isn't very supportive with the way I raise my kids (this place being the exception to that, thank goodness), and I just have to do whatever suits MY conscience. The only other person who has the right to challenge the way the kids are being raised is DH. My parents and his parents can offer advice, but that's it - no telling me how to do it better!

it will gradually improve, although being firm about needing to do what you're doing won't shrivel his soul either. As Jenny said - put him in a playpen for 20mins now and then. Find things for him to do when you've got work that really needs tackling. And if you're enjoying playing with him, the hell with it all! As long as the house isn't unsanitary or so cluttered it makes you nuts (which could make anyone a bad mother!) then it's fine. As long as you take the time to prepare your meals it's fine.

Come here often and I think you'll find you fit in quite nicely. We have quite a variety of parenting styles I reckon, but the common focus for all of us to be better parents, not just have kids and expect them to bring themselves up, or leave it to schools or grandparents or childminders. Even those of us who are working (many seem to be going back to work after some years) are still focussed on doin the right thing by their kids, not leaving it to someone else. Raising kids isn't easy if you're doing it right, because you always feel like maybe you could be doing better.

join us and get the support you need... drag the playpen near the computer and talk to your son as you read or type!

Kerri.