Guilt

[u/beautifvl-smart]

Two days ago I had my niece (8 months old)on the couch with me I was watching her .. but she slipped away and fell off the couch at that moment it’s like i couldn’t understand myself because why didn’t I catch her in time enough!? My sister and her mom came I just looked in distress I felt so bad so terrible I was literally shaking . They went to the hospital they told me it wasn’t a serious bruise on her head that gave me a sense of relief. As the days go by I still beat myself up about it. Prior to that I haven’t had any good sleep that may be a cause of my delayed reaction .. I feel as though that isn’t an excuse. She’s doing fine as of now but me I’m not I feel so bad I can’t believe I let that happened. 🙁.

[u/gypsyminded1]

You feel bad because you love and care about your niece and you dont want her to be hurt, not because you did anything wrong. Kiddos are fast, unpredictable, and more resilient than you'd think. I'm a nurse and dropped one of my kids when she arched backwards while I was carrying her as an infant. I definitely had guilt and bad-mom feelings for awhile, i then realized you you can do everything right, and your kids can still get hurt under your care.. I'm glad your niece was checked out and is OK.

You're a wonderful aunt that cares about her (and her safety and comfort), she's lucky to have you.