Moms of 2 or more close in age--going out by yourself with the kids

My girls are 2.5 and 1.5. I'm finding this age to be a tough age to go out with the two of them and just me. They no longer like to be strapped to a stroller, and if they walk- they sometimes start running off in different directions. For example, we were at the zoo the other week. Dh was with us, but went off to the customer center for a little while. My girls wanted out of the stroller so I took them out and was holding their hands. Ok at first, but then one of them started throwing a fit and tried to run in a different direction. DH works sundays and I would like to get out with the kids rather than sit home. What are your tips? I have no idea how i could take 2 at that age to a park by myself and keep them both safe. or the beach, or anywhere where i wouldn't be keeping them strapped down or that isn't well baby proofed. forget grocery shopping....

Re: Moms of 2 or more close in age--going out by yourself with the kids

No advice just .

I have 2 close in age. DD just turned 2 on the 5th and DS will be 1 on the 28th. I fear the day DS starts walking and what that will mean for me as far as going out with them alone. DD is starting to hate the stroller too and I can tell my son is gonna be a maniac once he starts going. I'm scared. lol

Re: Moms of 2 or more close in age--going out by yourself with the kids

could write this word for word. Mine are 13 months apart being 2 and 1 now.

honestly, there are someplaces we go to and someplaces that we just can't because i need another set of hands.

Of the places we go to, it's parks and playgrounds which are relatively not crowded, and far enough away from a main rd. Most are pretty well fenced in and usually have 1 way out. if the place is tooo crowded, i usually go someplace else.

I can usually get my 1 year old back in the stroller easier than the 2 year old and i will have my 2 year old help push the stroller.

Also my 2 year old is very independent and can do most things without my help so she doesn't require direct on top of supervision, but requires me to be able to see her.

I did go out and buy a leash but we've never used it. Like I said i try to stick to the less traffic parks and playgrounds so i can keep a better eye on both of them.

Re: Moms of 2 or more close in age--going out by yourself with the kids

It's good to know this isn't just me! With playgrounds, how do you deal with the climbing equipment? Both of my kids run straight to the ladder to climb, and then walk to the slide to slide down. I don't want them climbing those steep ladders without me behind them, and then the top piece often has those openings for other ladders and fire pole like things. I'm scared to not be on top of each of them because they could try to get down those ways instead of the slide! Maybe I need some xanax, lol, or maybe I just need to wait a little longer to attempt these places.

Message edited 6/17/2011 1:20:06 PM.

Re: Moms of 2 or more close in age--going out by yourself with the kids

As for my 2 year old. we started out on the smaller equipment and everytime she went by one of the "open spaces" on the playground i told her no keep going to the slide. Eventually she doesn't even really see those spots anymore. She's just a little over 2 now and runs up and down the big huge playgounds like its nothing. She doesn't get my direct right behind supervision since i am directly on top of my 1 year old. I do however keep on redirecting my 1 year old to go by her older sister so i can try to keep them somewhere near each other.

Also if your at a small playground or somthing with a few people, usually all the parents tend to look out for all the kids. I know i've helped out and caught a kid or two jumping off the wrong part, i'm sure most tend to do the same if they're around.

Sometimes i do try to plan outings for when my 1 year old will be napping so i can just leave her in the stroller and play with my 2 year old. It is difficult, but totally do able, you just have to try it out slowly and look for non crowded fenced in areas.

Re: Moms of 2 or more close in age--going out by yourself with the kids

I bungee cord them together so they cant run off in different directions... It is much easier taking 2 out by myself than 3... They still like being in the stroller so that helps alot...If I go to a park I try to use one that is fenced in and they really cant go any place...I wont take 3 by myself unless its to go in somebodies yard to play.....

Re: Moms of 2 or more close in age--going out by yourself with the kids

My twins are 2 .5 and I bribe them to sit in the stroller with cheerios. Works for now. Someplace like the zoo, etc. I wouldn't attempt by myself. I do go to the ecology center and those sorts of places, they know they have to either hold my hand or the baby's stroller and fortunately are very good about it. If they were the type to try to run off I'd get those backpack leash things.

Re: Moms of 2 or more close in age--going out by yourself with the kids

really, i think it all comes down to rules.

tell them what you expect and if they can't deliver, they will be staying at home next time with a sitter.

me and my mom friends are all over the place. some have 3 or 4 with them. this morning we took a train uptown to a museum. we all had a great time...but there are definitely rules. josh, my 4 year old, needs to stay with me...give my 1 year old a chance to do everything he just did.

playground-they both have to be on same piece of equipment. i don't really worry about falling or anything..they seem to be pretty agile. i think in all my years at parks, i have only seen 2 bad falls. and from older daredevils.

just keep practicing. if they act up, leave. tell them why you are leaving. at home, no TV-reading in their room. then offer to try it again the next day.

good luck!

eta: mine aren't that close in age at all...but from 8 mos-2.5 I babysat a boy 5 weeks younger then mine and brought those 2 everywhere for years.

Message edited 6/17/2011 3:16:44 PM.

Re: Moms of 2 or more close in age--going out by yourself with the kids

The trick for me is to find places that they can both have fun at, and neither can escape.

I have a park that I like that is fully enclosed. I took them to the beach the other day that had a short walk from the parking lot- but a long walk to the water. I need to get out otherwise we go crazy but check out your area for the best places, I literally drove to five beaches last week for research!

Re: Moms of 2 or more close in age--going out by yourself with the kids

Re: Moms of 2 or more close in age--going out by yourself with the kids

For all of you that have more than 1 around this age

I have to give you major props because going out w/my ONE almost 2yr old for errands can turn into big drama on a dime.

Re: Moms of 2 or more close in age--going out by yourself with the kids

Mine are 3 and 1 right now--it is always a challenge but my usual approach is to explain the rules before we get to where we are going so that my 3 year old understands what I expect from him. I chose parks that are fenced in and toddler friendly to make my life easier and my 3 year old knows he must stay where I can see him (since I am usually helping the little one). When we do the zoo or bigger outing I bring the stroller for the 1 year old and most of the time he is in it (with snacks or drink)--my rule is if you are out of the stroller you hold onto it and walk or walk next to me, if they can't do it, they go in the stroller or we leave. I have no problem leaving some where if they are not listening and following the rules. Good luck, it is definitely not easy at this age!!!

Re: Moms of 2 or more close in age--going out by yourself with the kids

sitter is a lie. my 4 year old still falls for it

2.5 year old has to have the rules.
if she is good everything else will fall into place.

for park, i also bring along a ride on toy and my 15 mos old will be content with that for awhile.

you tell the 2.5 year old next time she will be staying home with a sitter and you and baby will come to park solo since baby knows how to act.

just take little steps. the more you get out, the easier it is going to be for everyone

Re: Moms of 2 or more close in age--going out by yourself with the kids

Mine are 21 months & 10.5 months. Right now, my little guy is not mobile so he is usually in the stroller first. Everytime I have ventured to the park with them, the little guy seems to fall asleep on the way there so I have not had to contend with them both. Going to the stores is a challenge though but I have to get out.

Both boys go in the double stroller & I bribe my older one to be good with juice & pretzels. The bad thing, the little guy is now reaching to get the pretzels, so we have switched to puffs.

I am dreading the day they are both mobile bc my older one is a terror