If you know me, then you know I love having my kids with me. It’s really one of my favorite things about parenting, experiencing life again through their eyes and having them nearby. Especially after having my daughter this year, I’ve continuously received something along the lines of, “That baby hasn’t slowed you down. You guys go everywhere!” It’s true. At six months old, my youngest has already been to four other states for long weekend trips, MLB game, camping, and to most local venues in Indianapolis. She follows along to work meetings with me throughout the week, and some days, it feels like I’ve completed more nursing sessions and diaper changes in my car than on my couch. I really do take my kids everywhere, and here’s why you should, too!
My husband’s work schedule is not conventional. This leaves me home with two kids for 12-hour shifts, all weekend every other weekend, and several weeknights. I am not and have never been one to sit at home so it has become part of our day most days to get out of the house. While this has always been normal for our family, I’ve found, after talking to more and more parents, that this is something that sparks a lot of anxiety in others. So, from one adventuring mom to others aspiring, here are my tips!
Be prepared.
Don’t think about IF the baby poops through an entire outfit or IF the pre-schooler runs through an unexpected splash pad. Just ask yourself, what will I need WHEN this happens? And then have it at the ready. I have a car organizer like THIS in each car, and I usually keep:
Swimsuits (in the summer)
A towel
A change of clothes
More diapers and wipes
Grocery bags for trash
Snacks
A picnic blanket
Activity books, markers, paper, small toys etc., for restaurants
For winter, I’ll add an extra hat and gloves, maybe another layer for everyone
Now that I have a six-month-old, a baby carrier of choice.
I keep my car really clean.
It’s an enjoyable and organized place to be while we’re running around. I have a car detailing subscription that’s worth every penny, and it’s part of our family’s nightly routine every few nights to clean out the car, reorganize and make sure it’s ready to go. Most weekends or mornings, I will pack the stroller, fresh water bottles, and a lunch box with cold snack/lunch items, but otherwise, either of our cars is ready to go for the day’s adventures, and I don’t need to plan very much to be successful.
It doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate to be fun.
We have our memberships to the zoo, The Children’s Museum, and the YMCA. These are the places I’ll frequent depending on the season that are already paid for. Some other ideas we love: free concerts in the summer, the library, parks and splash pads, hiking trails, festivals and local events, sporting events, a quick coffee house or brewery trip, and indoor playgrounds especially in the winter.
Mindset matters.
I hear a lot of parents express fear around taking their children with them, especially out to eat or to a controlled space like a brewery or a coffee shop. If you’re afraid of how your kids are going to act in a public coffee shop, restaurant, or venue, just remember you’re allowed to be there, and kids are allowed to be there, too. I am also one to worry about what others are thinking about the chaos, but I just say to myself, I’m allowed to be here, and so are my kids. What I’ve found is that most of the time, strangers are very nice, helpful, and understanding. They love seeing kids out and about because they remember having young kids, too!
What I’ve found is that the more and more I’ve had my children out and about in the world, the more enjoyable it’s been as well. My six-year-old knows the drill, especially when I’m parenting solo. He knows that if he helps, we can continue to explore. If not, then we’re headed home, and sometimes we head home. It’s been a functional way to build social skills, life skills, teach flexibility (for him and for me), and experience and enjoy all that Indianapolis has to offer without having to worry about getting a babysitter.
I hope more and more parents feel encouraged to just take the kids!
