Moms of kids ages 18-24 months...question about taking them out at night.

I am finding this to be such a hard age. My son loves to run around and explore and will NOT sit still for a minute - which is great, I know this is normal and healthy. Yet I have to watch over him constantly since he still isn't good with stairs, sometimes still puts things in his mouth and is in his "no fear" stage where he just climbs and jumps off everything. If we go out to someone's house- like for a family party or something, I end up doing nothing but following him around all night and then excusing myself for an hour trying to put him to sleep in a strange place. Sometimes I feel like it's not worth it to go anywhere and would rather just stay home. Am I the only one bothered by this?

Re: Moms of kids ages 18-24 months...question about taking them out at night.

It's funny that you posted this - DD is 21 months and acts the same - she is ALL over the place. She is pretty good though and I can't really complain - I just get really tired running after her all the time. I have always been one to bring her with us and let her adapt to us as opposed to the other way around.

DH on the other hand gets really stressed out about her running all around and would rather stay home and not take her anywhere. We were actually out at a BBQ in Jersey last night and we didn't end up leaving til about 11:30 - and the bulk of our conversation on the way home was our different opinions on the situation

I don't know if it is because I am a SAHM, but I feel like if I don't do what I would normally do and take DD along that I wouldn't do ANYTHING and I think that I would lose my mind.

With #2 on the way, I am sure that there will come a point where we can't do what we are used to, but for now I want to ride this wave out as long as we can. I bring as much with me as I can to keep her occupied and I make sure that she gets in a good nap before we go.

Unfortunately, I think that this is just a stage of parenting and you need to weigh the stress of chasing him with the benefit of getting out and socializing.

Re: Moms of kids ages 18-24 months...question about taking them out at night.

My son is 26 months and i recently declined going to someone's house on 4th of July for the same reason. It was going to be a long day, into the night with fireworks and my DH had to work. I have 2 older kids but not old enought to help me watch the 2 year old. I just wasn't up for a day of chasing him around. it happens to everyone, don't feel bad. You'll see big changes by 2 1/2 - 3. My DS is so much better on the stairs than he was just a few months ago and then they start to get easier to keep an eye on where you don't have to hover every second. I'm not there yet but I look forward to it (without trying to wish the time away either )

Re: Moms of kids ages 18-24 months...question about taking them out at night.

Message edited 8/3/2008 2:00:27 PM.

Re: Moms of kids ages 18-24 months...question about taking them out at night.

I feel the same exact way.

We don't really go out at night because of his bed time, although he is getting better at adjusting. I hate to mess it up since Ry can sleep 12-13 hours at night.

When we go anywhere, we spend our time chasing after and following him the entire time. It's exhasuting and I often don't enjoy myself. Dh and I switch off but it's really tiring.

And forget going out to eat, that would never happen.

Re: Moms of kids ages 18-24 months...question about taking them out at night.

Sounds familiar. I make it my priority to either be home before DD's bedtime or get a sitter. It's not worth the nightmare of altering her sleep schedule.

DD is getting better though with not having to be followed every single second.

We are trying to take her out to eat a little more often but she hates it. We've been trying breakfast since it's a quick meal & she gets up so early that most places are fairly empty still.

Re: Moms of kids ages 18-24 months...question about taking them out at night.

Yep, this is us even though he is 16 mts old - this is just what it is at this age. I'm not bothered by it at all... I just ask DH to help out for some of the evening so I can play grownup at some point of the evening...