I’ve never really been a homebody. I’ve always loved getting out, whether it’s running a simple errand or going for a walk, it’s just nice to get out of the house! This didn’t change with my first child. I took her anywhere I wanted and it was fun having her as my little companion! Then, I had my second child, and leaving the house wasn’t fun anymore. For one thing, she was born in August, so anytime I tried to leave I was drenched in sweat even before we got out the door. Anyone who has tried to go grocery shopping with a three-year-old and a newborn will tell you how much fun that is. So, for the first few months after baby number two, I tried to stay home as much as possible.
But then I got bored and lonely, and a little depressed, so I decided to do more.
It started with planning a few play dates with friends or a trip to the park down the street. Then, I started going to the store more often and I realized the more I took my kids out, the better they did! No, things did not always go perfectly. There were plenty of times I left the store with two screaming children, wanting to scream myself. There were times I left without an extra set of clothes for the baby and she inevitably had a blowout EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. But, we got through it. We figured it out and each time I became more prepared and enjoyed our time out even more.
Now, my baby is almost a year old. She has spent lots of time at the grocery store. She’s spent many days at the beach. She can handle a four-mile walk in the stroller or carrier like a champ. Getting out of the house is fun again!
Here are a few tips to make getting out a little easier:
- Start small! Set up a playdate or meet a friend at the park for an hour or so.
- Keep a change of clothes for each child in the car.
- Keep some kind of shelf-stable snack in the car. Applesauce pouches are our favorite for on-the-go snacks.
- Have FUN! If it’s not fun, don’t be afraid to turn the car around and try again tomorrow.
Many people act like life is pretty much over once you have kids. You can’t do the same things and you have to adapt your life to your child. In my opinion, it doesn’t have to be that way, and children are incredibly good at adapting. So keep doing fun things. Keep getting out! Do what makes you happy. You’ll be a better mom for it.
