How to have a seamless day out with your children

One thing I’ve learnt since becoming a mother is that in the early days you very much have to take each day as it comes. Motherhood, in fact ‘parenthood’ is a huge learning curve. You start off carefree and the moment next you’re responsible for another human being, or two as in my case.

There is no doubt that being a mum is the best thing in the world. For as long as I can remember I always knew I wanted children. Like many women, I built it up in my head. I’d play different scenarios out. From girly shopping trips with my daughters to spa days and afternoon tea! However, my girls are currently nine years old so the spa days are on hold for now! That being said, the reality of having children is a lot tougher than those dreamy fantasies of perfect parent-child relationships.

Ultimately, you’re going to have your bad days and your good days. When my twins were a few months old I was determined to have the confidence to take them out somewhere, anywhere, on my own. I knew I had to prepare and time everything so that the trip went well. After all, I didn’t want my first outing alone with my girls to go wrong!

Your first trip out alone

That’s why I planned everything! From where I was going and how I was going to get there to what I do and how I would do it. I decided the best option would be to catch the train into town. This way I wouldn’t have to worry about finding somewhere to park.

When catching the train with my girls it was definitely the right decision. In some ways it took me back to my own childhood. Mum would often taken my sister and I into town on the train. It was like one big adventure! I’m pretty sure that’s how my girls felt on their first train journey too! They loved looking out of the window at the world passing by.

Before I knew it we arrived in town and set off to the department store. I knew it wouldn’t be a long trip. After all, it was my first outing alone with the twins so I didn’t want to overdo it. My plan was to have a cuppa in the department store café. I knew I could warm the girls food up there and give them their lunch. On the way back I could wander through the shops to do some window shopping and then hop back on the train home.

It was a great success and gave me the confidence to do it again. The next time I stayed a little longer and explored a few more shops and I just kept increasing the time I was out for.

Tips for a seamless day out with the children

It may sound silly but for a new mum, the first outing alone can be a scary thought. Little steps at a time is definitely the right way to go. Plus, here are a few tips of my own for a seamless day out with the kids:

• Plan ahead. Where are you going? How are you going to get there? For me, the train was the best option. I didn’t have to think about parking, getting the kids in and out of car seats and folding the pushchair up etc. I could just step onto the train with the pushchair, sit down and be on my way.
• Bring snacks. Always bring snacks! It’s amazing how quickly a snack can appease a crying child!
• Nap time. If you know your child naps at the same time everyday, you could take advantage of this and pop them in their pushchair for their nap instead. The fresh air may help them to sleep better. Alternatively, if your little one like routine and familiarity, it may be best to let me nap in their usual place and then head out refreshed for your trip.
• Bring toys. Having a rattle or their favourite toy to hand can really help to calm a child who may be nervous of a new place.
• Take your time and enjoy the day. Your first outing may be like mine – just an hour or two at most. Don’t try to cram too much in. Even it’s just half an hour, it’s a starting point.

What are your top tips for a seamless day out with the children? Let me know in the comments below.