You might want to skip this one if you don't want to read about babies, but I'd still appreciate any ideas I can get.
I've been a single mom these days, and it's exhausting. Both Tadpole and Turtle are walking, and it's hot out, and I thought that would be awesome because we could spend all day outside! Unfortunately I've realized that two walking babies means it's really hard for one adult to keep tabs. The park is really difficult because I can't keep track of which baby is putting what in their mouths, and I can't really let them play on the playground safely because I can't keep them both from falling off. The public pool is definitely out, even with a group of other moms. We're doing swim lessons once a week, and planning to do Diaper Daredevils once a week after the babies turn 1, but until then ...
So my question is - what can I do with walking almost-one-year-old twins, by myself (or with other moms, but no extra adult)?
So far, all I have are:
1. Stay home and play
2. Drive to a playground I've been told about that has a fence and very small play equipment
3. Baby pool in back yard
4. Zoo, but can only do this so often (also it's a 25-minute drive)
The kids are getting bored, and so am I. Help, please!
I don't have children, so I can only give advice based on friends' experiences and my nephew, who is now 4.
ReplyDeleteI seem to see lots of toddlers at the mall with their moms. Most malls have toddler play areas. Public libraries often have story hours geared toward small children, especially in the summertime.
One of my closest friends has been taking her now-2-year-old to the YMCA to swim in their pool since he could walk, but that might be difficult with two kids.
Good luck! I am definitely not one with a lot of ideas for this. Drake LOVES to be outside. It doesn't matter what he is doing, he just wants to be out. If you like to ride your bike, do you have a bike trailer? We just got one at a garage sale last weekend and Drake loves it. Both kiddos can ride in it and they are secure plus they are getting fresh air and you are getting your workout in. Can't wait to see what other suggestions everyone has.
ReplyDeleteThis might not be a long-lasting solution, but how about bubbles? You sit in a lawn chair and blow them, kids chase them around the yard. Maybe. :)
ReplyDeleteI had another thought: a friend's wife is a SAHM to their boy/girl (now aged 7), and she made lots and lots similarly situated friends through Moms of Multiples ("MOM"). I know they organized a lot of activities. They are still friends with some of those families to this day.
ReplyDeleteMight be worth investigating whether MOM has a chapter in your area.
My mom watches my baby and my nephews. They're older (4 & 7) but they love paylands at McDonalds (or any restaurants) and the bouncy house. There's a baby area in our local bouncy house that's great for the little ones.
ReplyDelete