Going Out with Your Kids: How to Keep Your Sanity

Heading out the door with your children in tow can be nerve-wracking. But you need to get out of the house to run errands and stay social. So, here’s how to keep your sanity when going out with your kids to help you the next time.

Be Prepared

The key to success when going out with your kids is to make sure you have everything you could possibly need on hand. If you have a newborn, you likely already know what to pack. Carry spare diapers, wipes, and diaper bags, for example. But there are a lot of other things to make the outing easier, such as feeding items, cloth books, and sunblock.

For toddlers, pack at least a few of these things to take with you when leaving the house. Doing so will help you keep your sanity over the next few hours:

• Wipes and diapers
• Snack food
• Small toys
• Books
• Drink, in case they get thirsty
• Sunscreen and hat

Have the Right Stroller

Even if you think that your boy or girl is too old for a stroller, they might still need one. If you’re going out for a long day, they’re bound to get tired if they have to walk the whole way. And we all know that a tired child is a difficult child.

So, if you don’t want to contend with whining and whining, then consider getting a stand/sit stroller. It’s perfect for your child if they like to walk but quickly get tired. With the right stroller, going out with your kids can be easier.

Consider a Sling

If you have a baby, you might want to think about using a sling rather than a stroller. It’s often easier to keep your hands free by wearing your little one around your body than to have to deal with a big, bulky stroller. A stroller can also be tricky to move around in tight spaces like busy grocery store aisles.

When Driving Long Distances

If you’re traveling by car with your little one, it goes without saying that you’ll need a safe car seat. Also, choose one that is comfortable without being too cramped. If your child is comfy in the car, then they are more likely to fall asleep and you can have some peace and quiet. That’ll go far in your quest for how to keep your sanity.

For a long-distance drive together, make sure you stop regularly. You won’t just need to stop for toilet breaks, you’ll also want to give them a chance to stretch their legs. If you can stop somewhere with a play area or space to run around that will help them to burn off some steam too. Then you’re all ready to hit the road again.

You might also consider adding car gadgets to help make the car experience more enjoyable for you as the driver. Heated seats are one example, and they are relatively affordable too.

Choose Snacks Wisely

When going out with your kids, they’ll likely get hungry at some point. Making the right choice about what to take with you is key to avoiding chaos. Firstly, think carefully about the mess. If you choose something like chocolate, within seconds they’ll have a huge mess all over their face, not to mention the car seat if you’re in the vehicle. That needs cleaning up quickly before it spreads further.

The cleanup can be especially challenging if you’re driving, so make sure that you choose foods that are less messy. Also, choose road snacks that are healthy and that they can eat without your help. Pretzels in hard-to-open packets are just asking for trouble. Instead, choose something they can easily manage and fill them up too so they won’t be complaining that they’re hungry again in only a few seconds.

Don’t Forget Water

Keep at least one water bottle with you when going out with your kids, for a few reasons. Not only is it useful if your little one gets thirsty, it’s also a swift solution if they get dirty. Simply wet a tissue or napkin with the water and wipe them up – easy!

Going Out with Your Kids is an Easier Experience Now

Follow these tips for how to keep your sanity when leaving home with the kids. It doesn’t have to be as stressful and difficult as you imagined! In fact, as long as you prepare ahead, you just might find that going out with your kids is actually a lot of fun!