I've been complimented on several occasions on how easy I make this "having a toddler" thing look... Smoke and mirrors, people. Smoke and mirrors.
Yes, having a generally sweet and mellow kid helps, but he's still a kid and going out with him still requires a great deal of preparation, and stamina, and preparation, and patience, and prepa-- Are you getting the point, yet? Planning ahead seems like the most logical thing to do, but can get overwhelming for a mind that's constantly bombarded and pulled in multiple directions. It's probably easier to make your excuses and just stay home. Next thing you know, you've been stuck in the house for days and you're going crazy!!! Ahhh!
Well, freak out no more. For all of my friends and friends of friends who can never seem to make out the door at a moment's notice, I've put together a few quick hints to make your getaways a little easier:
1. Diaper bag: Packed and Ready to go. There's nothing more stressful than scrambling to find everything as you and toddler rush out the door. Do yourself a favor. Have your diaper bag packed (or at least, sort of packed.) Keep it by the door, and above all, keep it simple...
Just pack the essentials: diapers, wipes, change of clothes, sippy cup... maybe even hand sanitizer, if you wish. Anything else, you can just get while you're out, if you need it. Probably won't.
Then, replace whatever you used when you get home and put it right back by the door.
Yes, having a generally sweet and mellow kid helps, but he's still a kid and going out with him still requires a great deal of preparation, and stamina, and preparation, and patience, and prepa-- Are you getting the point, yet? Planning ahead seems like the most logical thing to do, but can get overwhelming for a mind that's constantly bombarded and pulled in multiple directions. It's probably easier to make your excuses and just stay home. Next thing you know, you've been stuck in the house for days and you're going crazy!!! Ahhh!
Well, freak out no more. For all of my friends and friends of friends who can never seem to make out the door at a moment's notice, I've put together a few quick hints to make your getaways a little easier:
1. Diaper bag: Packed and Ready to go. There's nothing more stressful than scrambling to find everything as you and toddler rush out the door. Do yourself a favor. Have your diaper bag packed (or at least, sort of packed.) Keep it by the door, and above all, keep it simple...Just pack the essentials: diapers, wipes, change of clothes, sippy cup... maybe even hand sanitizer, if you wish. Anything else, you can just get while you're out, if you need it. Probably won't.
Then, replace whatever you used when you get home and put it right back by the door.
2. Ditto for a lunch bag. Buy one with a pocket. I keep ours stocked with bibs, place mats, wipes, and "use and toss" utensils. When we make last minute dinner plans, all we have to do is toss in an ice pack, grab some food and his milk, and we're outta here. Since everything in there is disposable, it's no big deal if something gets left behind in the rush to leave the restaurant.
3. Keep a stroller, booster chair, umbrella, and a towel in the car at ALL times. These things will get you through most impromptu situations, and you never have to worry about forgetting them. (The towel can also double as a blanket if it gets chilly or you decide to have a picnic )
4. Snacks, Snacks, Snacks. They keep your kid content, satiated, and at bay... and if in a fun enough container, distracted for a while.
5. Know when it's time to leave. Probably the most important rule of all. If you kid seems unhappy and ready to leave, you probably should...
The only thing worse than having to deal with a screaming, stressed-out, tired kid is having a to deal with a screaming, stressed-out, tired kid in public. Be ready to make a quick exit if needed and try again later... perhaps after nap.
Just say no to "cabin fever". LEAVE THE HOUSE.
photo by Iroma Baby
The only thing worse than having to deal with a screaming, stressed-out, tired kid is having a to deal with a screaming, stressed-out, tired kid in public. Be ready to make a quick exit if needed and try again later... perhaps after nap.
Just say no to "cabin fever". LEAVE THE HOUSE.
photo by Iroma Baby
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