Comments on: Going Out with Lots of Littles: 4 Moms, 35 Kids http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/ Large Family Homeschooling Wed, 23 May 2012 20:42:08 +0000 hourly 1 By: Dyan http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-75893 Dyan Sat, 15 Oct 2011 03:38:26 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-75893 I have 13 kiddos ranging from 1-15. We are foster/adoptive parents so I haven't been able to instill the "training" from the start. However, I use rhymes. When we are in the parking lot we say, "Put you backs to the car so you don't go far." The kids stay right where they need to be. In restrooms, (I have 10 girls) I get nervous about someone walking out with my little ones so when they are finished I say, "It'd sure be neat to see your feet." Then I have a cutie row of little tennis shoes under my bathroom stall door. When we walk through stores we all "buddy up" by saying, "Don't you understand that you gotta hold a hand, hey, hey!" The kids all get a partner before the rhyme is said for the second time. We have a lot of fun, but with the sheer numbers we must have a way to make obedience fun while keeping our treasures safe. I am really enjoying your website, I am learning so much! Thank you for investing your time! Dyan I have 13 kiddos ranging from 1-15. We are foster/adoptive parents so I haven’t been able to instill the “training” from the start. However, I use rhymes. When we are in the parking lot we say, “Put you backs to the car so you don’t go far.” The kids stay right where they need to be. In restrooms, (I have 10 girls) I get nervous about someone walking out with my little ones so when they are finished I say, “It’d sure be neat to see your feet.” Then I have a cutie row of little tennis shoes under my bathroom stall door. When we walk through stores we all “buddy up” by saying, “Don’t you understand that you gotta hold a hand, hey, hey!” The kids all get a partner before the rhyme is said for the second time. We have a lot of fun, but with the sheer numbers we must have a way to make obedience fun while keeping our treasures safe.

I am really enjoying your website, I am learning so much! Thank you for investing your time!
Dyan

]]> By: Suzanne http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-29196 Suzanne Tue, 24 Aug 2010 19:05:59 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-29196 You're welcome! People at the store always ask "How I do it". My usual answer is "Slowly" (with a smile), but I guess the real answer is: "Strategically-- With a lot of forethought and planning" : ) I'm so glad we moms can share ideas! You’re welcome! People at the store always ask “How I do it”. My usual answer is “Slowly” (with a smile), but I guess the real answer is: “Strategically– With a lot of forethought and planning” : ) I’m so glad we moms can share ideas!

]]> By: Jenn http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-29149 Jenn Tue, 24 Aug 2010 01:12:32 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-29149 Thanks! Good idea, especially if I start getting them used to that now. Thanks! Good idea, especially if I start getting them used to that now.

]]> By: Suzanne http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-29148 Suzanne Tue, 24 Aug 2010 00:40:30 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-29148 You might try the 1 & 2 year old in the big part of the cart side by side?? My 4 & 6 year old sometimes share. I don't think they love it, but my 6 year old's feet hurt sometimes. It works, you just can't buy a TON of stuff. Maybe?? Suzanne joyfulmotherof5 You might try the 1 & 2 year old in the big part of the cart side by side?? My 4 & 6 year old sometimes share. I don’t think they love it, but my 6 year old’s feet hurt sometimes. It works, you just can’t buy a TON of stuff. Maybe??

Suzanne
joyfulmotherof5

]]> By: Jenn http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-29146 Jenn Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:50:33 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-29146 I am SO with you about 2yr old ONLY riding in the cart! I have started trying to train our 2yr old to walk well with me, but it's such a hard age. Like you say, even when she is being good, she gets SO distracted! The issue is that we have a new baby on the way (who will join his 4yr old, 2yr old, & 1yr old siblings) so the 2yr old is going to loose her place in the cart soon. Baby wearing would solve my problem, but in Dec. in Michigan I am not sure which will be worse trying to keep NB warm from car to store in the carrier or walking with 2yr old in the store!? lol! My oldest will only be 4yrs old when baby comes so he is not old enough to help with pushing a stroller. Hmm, maybe I will have to do the 2 cart thing -but then I wouldn't be able to see all the cart occupants at the same time... guess it will be some trial and error to figure this one out! Or maybe we'll have to have family grocery runs for a while... I am SO with you about 2yr old ONLY riding in the cart! I have started trying to train our 2yr old to walk well with me, but it’s such a hard age. Like you say, even when she is being good, she gets SO distracted! The issue is that we have a new baby on the way (who will join his 4yr old, 2yr old, & 1yr old siblings) so the 2yr old is going to loose her place in the cart soon. Baby wearing would solve my problem, but in Dec. in Michigan I am not sure which will be worse trying to keep NB warm from car to store in the carrier or walking with 2yr old in the store!? lol! My oldest will only be 4yrs old when baby comes so he is not old enough to help with pushing a stroller. Hmm, maybe I will have to do the 2 cart thing -but then I wouldn’t be able to see all the cart occupants at the same time… guess it will be some trial and error to figure this one out! Or maybe we’ll have to have family grocery runs for a while…

]]> By: Suzanne http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-29144 Suzanne Mon, 23 Aug 2010 23:03:16 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-29144 Discipline these days is a touchy issue, with doctors telling you to "never hit a child" meaning don't spank them. But it is Biblical. No matter what you choose to do for discipline the need to train him for an outing has to begin BEFORE the outing. I like the suggestions above as a few mentioned above. Besides practicing expected behavior above, and using precise commands like "keep your hand on the stroller" or for our 3 year old "keep this hand on the red latch of the stroller." you may also need to pre-teach what is expected before you go into the store. If it is a very quiet place we pre-teach before we get out of the car, otherwise on our way into the store. ex: "We are going in the library now. I expect you to stay right with me and use your quiet voices. The librarians are working and people are trying to concentrate. Does everyone understand?" At this point I expect a "Yes Ma'am" from everyone who can speak. If someone does not answer I repeat it until everyone is "on board" with the plan. Once you are in the store or wherever you can just say "remember what we talked about?" Or repeat the expected requirements if necessary. Since yours is so young you may need to stick to short phrases, key words, and leaving if necessary before he gets it right. We have 5 small children the youngest just turned 2, so I have had LOTS of outings with your age group. I take them to the grocery store with me every week--all 5. I have ONLY EVER allowed my 2 year-olds to ride in a cart or stroller NEVER to walk. Even a well-behaved 2 year old gets too distracted to walk along and not get into trouble or lost. If there is a cart our 2 year old would be in the seat and the baby's car seat would be in the big part or vice-versa if he would leave the groceries alone and not try to open them. Otherwise we use a double stroller for the 2 year old and baby. If you don't mind wearing the baby, you could get away with a single stroller. If your 2 year old is not used to sitting in a stroller this could be a struggle to train him but you could start out with fun walks down the street or around the yard with the stroller so he thinks it's a fun thing. Also, I always allowed my 2 year-olds to bring a small blanket or toy that is familiar to them wherever we go. As mentioned in the other posts above I would try to go out at a time that the kids feel less crazy, and additionally not feed them any sugar before we go out. I am so thankful to all the women who have given me helpful tips, I hope you can use some of the ones on this site as well. Blessings! Suzanne joyfulmotherof5 Discipline these days is a touchy issue, with doctors telling you to “never hit a child” meaning don’t spank them. But it is Biblical. No matter what you choose to do for discipline the need to train him for an outing has to begin BEFORE the outing. I like the suggestions above as a few mentioned above. Besides practicing expected behavior above, and using precise commands like “keep your hand on the stroller” or for our 3 year old “keep this hand on the red latch of the stroller.” you may also need to pre-teach what is expected before you go into the store. If it is a very quiet place we pre-teach before we get out of the car, otherwise on our way into the store. ex: “We are going in the library now. I expect you to stay right with me and use your quiet voices. The librarians are working and people are trying to concentrate. Does everyone understand?” At this point I expect a “Yes Ma’am” from everyone who can speak. If someone does not answer I repeat it until everyone is “on board” with the plan. Once you are in the store or wherever you can just say “remember what we talked about?” Or repeat the expected requirements if necessary. Since yours is so young you may need to stick to short phrases, key words, and leaving if necessary before he gets it right.

We have 5 small children the youngest just turned 2, so I have had LOTS of outings with your age group. I take them to the grocery store with me every week–all 5. I have ONLY EVER allowed my 2 year-olds to ride in a cart or stroller NEVER to walk. Even a well-behaved 2 year old gets too distracted to walk along and not get into trouble or lost.

If there is a cart our 2 year old would be in the seat and the baby’s car seat would be in the big part or vice-versa if he would leave the groceries alone and not try to open them. Otherwise we use a double stroller for the 2 year old and baby. If you don’t mind wearing the baby, you could get away with a single stroller.

If your 2 year old is not used to sitting in a stroller this could be a struggle to train him but you could start out with fun walks down the street or around the yard with the stroller so he thinks it’s a fun thing. Also, I always allowed my 2 year-olds to bring a small blanket or toy that is familiar to them wherever we go.

As mentioned in the other posts above I would try to go out at a time that the kids feel less crazy, and additionally not feed them any sugar before we go out.

I am so thankful to all the women who have given me helpful tips, I hope you can use some of the ones on this site as well.

Blessings!
Suzanne
joyfulmotherof5

]]> By: Steph http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-28340 Steph Fri, 13 Aug 2010 14:15:21 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-28340 Hi, I just ran accross your website yesterday and find it VERY informative. I am presently in the 'crunch' stage of having 4 small children from 5 and a half and 13 months and I do go out with them but I cannot control the 2 and a half year old son. He is smart, quick, strong and very active. He'll hold on to the cart or the siblings hand but only for a minute before he goes off running.... never had this problem with others and frankly, I just don't know how to make him listen (so that we can have a good time but mostly so that he can safe). We obviously don't go out often together so he really does get VERY excited when we do so that too compounds the problem. What types of discipline would be age appropriate for this age at a public place??? Thank-you for your time Hi, I just ran accross your website yesterday and find it VERY informative. I am presently in the ‘crunch’ stage of having 4 small children from 5 and a half and 13 months and I do go out with them but I cannot control the 2 and a half year old son. He is smart, quick, strong and very active. He’ll hold on to the cart or the siblings hand but only for a minute before he goes off running…. never had this problem with others and frankly, I just don’t know how to make him listen (so that we can have a good time but mostly so that he can safe). We obviously don’t go out often together so he really does get VERY excited when we do so that too compounds the problem. What types of discipline would be age appropriate for this age at a public place???

Thank-you for your time

]]> By: Kimberly @ Raising Olives http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-18049 Kimberly @ Raising Olives Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:17:29 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-18049 I can understand not wanting to wear two at once. Since I only had one at a time I can only imagine how "fun" it must be to negotiate those double challenges. I can understand not wanting to wear two at once. Since I only had one at a time I can only imagine how “fun” it must be to negotiate those double challenges.

]]> By: Kimberly @ Raising Olives http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-18048 Kimberly @ Raising Olives Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:14:35 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-18048 Getting in the car to nurse the baby is a great idea that I could have used during the winter months. Back then we had no AC in the car, so that would have been a no-go, but it would have saved me a lot of trouble during the colder months. Getting in the car to nurse the baby is a great idea that I could have used during the winter months. Back then we had no AC in the car, so that would have been a no-go, but it would have saved me a lot of trouble during the colder months.

]]> By: Mara http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-17750 Mara Tue, 30 Mar 2010 13:25:20 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-17750 I have never tried the Moby, but I'm not sure I really want to wear both babies at the same time. Nursing two at a time is quite difficult right now. Besides we get enough looks with my one-headed "growth" hanging off of me. I can only imagine what people would do/say if I had a two-headed "growth" hanging from me;) I have never tried the Moby, but I’m not sure I really want to wear both babies at the same time. Nursing two at a time is quite difficult right now. Besides we get enough looks with my one-headed “growth” hanging off of me. I can only imagine what people would do/say if I had a two-headed “growth” hanging from me;)

]]> By: Kimberly @ Raising Olives http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-17689 Kimberly @ Raising Olives Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:30:13 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-17689 My sister does that with her non-talkers when we're going to be in a crowd. She affixes the child's name, her name and her cell number to the child's back. Great idea. My sister does that with her non-talkers when we’re going to be in a crowd. She affixes the child’s name, her name and her cell number to the child’s back. Great idea.

]]> By: Kimberly @ Raising Olives http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-17688 Kimberly @ Raising Olives Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:29:21 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-17688 Have you looked at the Moby Wrap? I have one and really love it for little ones. However, the reason I mention it to you is that it's touted to be GREAT for wearing twins at the same time. :) And congrats on having milk, goldfish and chocolate donuts in the house. That is a victory! Have you looked at the Moby Wrap? I have one and really love it for little ones. However, the reason I mention it to you is that it’s touted to be GREAT for wearing twins at the same time. :)

And congrats on having milk, goldfish and chocolate donuts in the house. That is a victory!

]]> By: Kimberly @ Raising Olives http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-17687 Kimberly @ Raising Olives Mon, 29 Mar 2010 18:26:40 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-17687 You are certainly not doomed. The great thing is that, generally speaking, God sends children one at a time. This means that you just have to add one child to your plan each time. You can handle the children that God gives you on public transportation. We've done public transportation (in New York City) with our 6 or 7 young children. Granted, I didn't do it by myself, but then I wasn't used to the whole system. I do know that I could have with some practice and a plan. By the time you have several young ones, your older ones will be quite adept at managing public transportation with you. ;) When we had all little kids my husband and I only had one car. Being "stuck" in the house isn't all that bad. :) You are certainly not doomed. The great thing is that, generally speaking, God sends children one at a time. This means that you just have to add one child to your plan each time.

You can handle the children that God gives you on public transportation. We’ve done public transportation (in New York City) with our 6 or 7 young children. Granted, I didn’t do it by myself, but then I wasn’t used to the whole system. I do know that I could have with some practice and a plan. By the time you have several young ones, your older ones will be quite adept at managing public transportation with you. ;)

When we had all little kids my husband and I only had one car. Being “stuck” in the house isn’t all that bad. :)

]]> By: Andrea http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-17185 Andrea Sat, 27 Mar 2010 14:42:24 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-17185 We learned the hard way during a very crowded trip to a children's museum to put name tags (even just masking tape with their name written on it) on the youngest ones. A couple of summers ago, my now-7 year old got separated from us (the crowd was quite large). Luckily we found him (hysterical) after about ten minutes of frantic searching, but I still shudder to think what might have happened. (He was very shy at the time and a little speech-impaired and would not have been much help to anyone trying to find us. And, hysterical.) We learned the hard way during a very crowded trip to a children’s museum to put name tags (even just masking tape with their name written on it) on the youngest ones. A couple of summers ago, my now-7 year old got separated from us (the crowd was quite large). Luckily we found him (hysterical) after about ten minutes of frantic searching, but I still shudder to think what might have happened. (He was very shy at the time and a little speech-impaired and would not have been much help to anyone trying to find us. And, hysterical.)

]]> By: Mara http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-16952 Mara Fri, 26 Mar 2010 23:13:29 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-16952 I sooo needed this encouragement today. I have 4 under 4. The youngest being 2 month old twins. I have been out with all of them for short trips, but I needed to go grocery shopping...umm..yesterday!! I put the 20 mo old and one twin in the stroller, carried the other twin in the Ergo and enlisted the 3 1/2 year old as my "helper." It went so much better then I had expected. We now have milk and goldfish (and choc. donuts!!) and everyone is happy;) I sooo needed this encouragement today. I have 4 under 4. The youngest being 2 month old twins. I have been out with all of them for short trips, but I needed to go grocery shopping…umm..yesterday!! I put the 20 mo old and one twin in the stroller, carried the other twin in the Ergo and enlisted the 3 1/2 year old as my “helper.” It went so much better then I had expected. We now have milk and goldfish (and choc. donuts!!) and everyone is happy;)

]]> By: Jessica http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-16915 Jessica Fri, 26 Mar 2010 22:12:09 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-16915 Thank you so much for posting these tips and reminding us to enjoy our little ones. Currently I have three two and under, and am completely overwhelmed at the task of taking them all to the store, or anywhere for that matter! But since my youngest is almost two months I think it's time to start getting brave! :-) Thank you so much for posting these tips and reminding us to enjoy our little ones. Currently I have three two and under, and am completely overwhelmed at the task of taking them all to the store, or anywhere for that matter! But since my youngest is almost two months I think it’s time to start getting brave! :-)

]]> By: Tisha http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-16784 Tisha Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:46:51 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-16784 Love this post! When our older children were little, people would say, "I just don't know how you do it." Thankfully, we had lots of similar advice from other families who had been successful, and we not only survived, we enjoyed those times with our little ones (and still do). I always tell new moms to keep a bag in the car with a complete change of clothes for each child. That way an accident doesn't totally upset your morning, or a puddle or creek to play in along the way is not out of the question. Love this post! When our older children were little, people would say, “I just don’t know how you do it.” Thankfully, we had lots of similar advice from other families who had been successful, and we not only survived, we enjoyed those times with our little ones (and still do). I always tell new moms to keep a bag in the car with a complete change of clothes for each child. That way an accident doesn’t totally upset your morning, or a puddle or creek to play in along the way is not out of the question.

]]> By: Jenn http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-16781 Jenn Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:37:16 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-16781 Once I am ready to the point that I only need to nurse baby I will get everyone out to the van and strap them into their carseats with a small snack or a few books(we keep some books in the van) and then I will nurse baby in the van. Then when I am done I quickly change her if needed, strap her in and we can be on our way! This keeps the others from getting into messes or fights in those last few moments and also encourages them to build patience and self-control as they wait for me to finish. I also tend to go out 1st thing after everyone is dressed(we dress after breakfast). Since I still at least help all mine dress once each child is dressed including shoes they sit on big brothers bed while the others finish(I usually dress the current most compliant child first as they are usually able to wait better). We then all go down to the door together and get coats on and out we go. I find that the more I can keep the kids right near me as we ready the more delays can be averted. Glad we are all in this wild world of lots of littles together! :) Once I am ready to the point that I only need to nurse baby I will get everyone out to the van and strap them into their carseats with a small snack or a few books(we keep some books in the van) and then I will nurse baby in the van. Then when I am done I quickly change her if needed, strap her in and we can be on our way! This keeps the others from getting into messes or fights in those last few moments and also encourages them to build patience and self-control as they wait for me to finish.
I also tend to go out 1st thing after everyone is dressed(we dress after breakfast). Since I still at least help all mine dress once each child is dressed including shoes they sit on big brothers bed while the others finish(I usually dress the current most compliant child first as they are usually able to wait better). We then all go down to the door together and get coats on and out we go. I find that the more I can keep the kids right near me as we ready the more delays can be averted.
Glad we are all in this wild world of lots of littles together! :)

]]> By: CookieMonsterKatrina http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-16778 CookieMonsterKatrina Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:29:45 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-16778 Yes, Kimberly, it <i>is</i> that crazy! In those first six months of nursing it is really hard to get out of the house when you have just littles. My aunt gave me some good advice. She told me to limit the number of times I tried to take the kids out each week (like you said). She told me, point blank, "Don't go grocery shopping with them. Go shopping at night after they're in bed." Yes, Kimberly, it is that crazy! In those first six months of nursing it is really hard to get out of the house when you have just littles.

My aunt gave me some good advice. She told me to limit the number of times I tried to take the kids out each week (like you said). She told me, point blank, “Don’t go grocery shopping with them. Go shopping at night after they’re in bed.”

]]> By: CookieMonsterKatrina http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-16777 CookieMonsterKatrina Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:19:36 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-16777 Such good ideas and good tips. Going out with just little ones is a challenge! Such good ideas and good tips. Going out with just little ones is a challenge!

]]> By: Amy http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-16742 Amy Fri, 26 Mar 2010 12:13:29 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-16742 Very great ideas! I have four that are 8 and under. So, it's nice to have the 8 and 7 year old keep an eye on the 3 and 2 year old. They each get assigned to one kid. They really enjoy it. Thanks for the tips. I just found your blog not too long ago. Very helpful! Very great ideas! I have four that are 8 and under. So, it’s nice to have the 8 and 7 year old keep an eye on the 3 and 2 year old. They each get assigned to one kid. They really enjoy it. Thanks for the tips. I just found your blog not too long ago. Very helpful!

]]> By: abba12 http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-16704 abba12 Fri, 26 Mar 2010 02:06:17 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-16704 I don't have children yet, but hopefully in the not to distant future. The topic of this made me think. I am visually impaired, and thus can't drive. At the moment my husband takes me to doctors appointments, and my dear grandparents take me shopping and errand-running fortnightly (no idea what I will do if we outgrow their car!) Point is, despite this, I find myself taking the bus or the train weekly for various reasons and errands and such, and 'field trips' to parks and museums and things would also be taken on the bus unless I can rope someone in to drive me. Do you think I'm as doomed as I feel like I'm going to be? It isn't the one or two, or even 3 I'm worried about, I can hold two hands and wear the third! nor is it the (hopefully) large brood when they get older, it's that 'nice' inbetween time you spoke about, when you have more children than hands, but they're all little! By which time we will have also grown out of most average peoples cars, making trips with other people slightly harder as well (Maybe we can buy a van specifrically for other people to drive us around in, lol!) and by which time hopefully hubby will have a more full time job. When the topic of taking littlies out comes up I can't help but think I will be stuck in my house for a few years! Any tips? Any reassurance? Or am I really doomed :P I don’t have children yet, but hopefully in the not to distant future.

The topic of this made me think. I am visually impaired, and thus can’t drive. At the moment my husband takes me to doctors appointments, and my dear grandparents take me shopping and errand-running fortnightly (no idea what I will do if we outgrow their car!) Point is, despite this, I find myself taking the bus or the train weekly for various reasons and errands and such, and ‘field trips’ to parks and museums and things would also be taken on the bus unless I can rope someone in to drive me.

Do you think I’m as doomed as I feel like I’m going to be? It isn’t the one or two, or even 3 I’m worried about, I can hold two hands and wear the third! nor is it the (hopefully) large brood when they get older, it’s that ‘nice’ inbetween time you spoke about, when you have more children than hands, but they’re all little! By which time we will have also grown out of most average peoples cars, making trips with other people slightly harder as well (Maybe we can buy a van specifrically for other people to drive us around in, lol!) and by which time hopefully hubby will have a more full time job. When the topic of taking littlies out comes up I can’t help but think I will be stuck in my house for a few years!

Any tips? Any reassurance? Or am I really doomed :P

]]> By: Kimberly @ Raising Olives http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-16366 Kimberly @ Raising Olives Thu, 25 Mar 2010 22:09:25 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-16366 Hi Carey, My best tip for getting out the house more quickly is to wait until your oldest is 6. :) I remember feeding everyone, getting them ready to go (changing diapers, brushing hair, getting on shoes and socks, etc) then sitting down to nurse the baby. By the time I fed and changed the baby, someone else had dirtied their diaper and someone had spilled water down the front of their outfit. While I handled those things someone would start an argument, so I would take care of that. After that everyone would be hungry so we'd get a snack and then it would be time to nurse the baby again. Seriously! I ALWAYS scheduled a full hour to get out of the door and I remember being constantly surprised that it did take that long. Now each big kid simply is assigned a little kid to help and we can get out of the door in 15 minutes. So, enjoy while you can and know that it will be over much sooner than you think. Sorry I'm not more helpful, but we were never quick about anything when all of our children were small. (We still aren't very quick.) Hi Carey,

My best tip for getting out the house more quickly is to wait until your oldest is 6. :)

I remember feeding everyone, getting them ready to go (changing diapers, brushing hair, getting on shoes and socks, etc) then sitting down to nurse the baby. By the time I fed and changed the baby, someone else had dirtied their diaper and someone had spilled water down the front of their outfit. While I handled those things someone would start an argument, so I would take care of that. After that everyone would be hungry so we’d get a snack and then it would be time to nurse the baby again. Seriously!

I ALWAYS scheduled a full hour to get out of the door and I remember being constantly surprised that it did take that long.

Now each big kid simply is assigned a little kid to help and we can get out of the door in 15 minutes. So, enjoy while you can and know that it will be over much sooner than you think.

Sorry I’m not more helpful, but we were never quick about anything when all of our children were small. (We still aren’t very quick.)

]]> By: Carey http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-16355 Carey Thu, 25 Mar 2010 21:16:44 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-16355 This is very helpful! The not to distant memories of shopping with 2 under 2, all the crying on the ride home (the kids cried sometimes too) can hopefully be just memories now, after implementing these great tips I'm hopeful shopping will be much smoother. But, please hold my hand for a moment, how did you make it out of the house for these outings? It seems to take for ever to get out of the house. I'm only just now, slowly, figuring little things out, like, everyone under 6 gets velcro only shoes. It still takes a loooong time to get ready. Could you mention some ways to streamline getting ready to go? Thanks =) Carey This is very helpful!
The not to distant memories of shopping with 2 under 2, all the crying on the ride home (the kids cried sometimes too) can hopefully be just memories now, after implementing these great tips I’m hopeful shopping will be much smoother.
But, please hold my hand for a moment, how did you make it out of the house for these outings?
It seems to take for ever to get out of the house. I’m only just now, slowly, figuring little things out, like, everyone under 6 gets velcro only shoes.
It still takes a loooong time to get ready. Could you mention some ways to streamline getting ready to go?
Thanks =)
Carey

]]> By: Kimberly @ Raising Olives http://raisingolives.com/2010/03/going-out-with-lots-of-littles/comment-page-1/#comment-16349 Kimberly @ Raising Olives Thu, 25 Mar 2010 19:32:55 +0000 http://raisingolives.com/?p=6353#comment-16349 I've often said that having a large family (or wanting one) is a very good motivation to be consistent in training your children. You are right, they can be taught. Good work. I’ve often said that having a large family (or wanting one) is a very good motivation to be consistent in training your children.

You are right, they can be taught. Good work.

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