I’m not afraid to admit that I don’t have a clue what I’m doing when it comes to raising multiples. If you have ever seen me in public with them it’s pretty apparent. It seems that with each stage/age I’m presented with a whole new set of problems. Most recently it’s the logistics of outings. Stroller or walk? Shopping cart or……. Leash? Yes, I said leash.
Before having multiples I was one of “those people.” The one that would give a big eye roll when I saw a kid on a leash. I would think to myself, “that child is not a dog, why would they do that?” I pondered with other mothers the long term effects on the child, I judged. Then? I had twins.
I’m still not sure that I would have bought them myself, but we were given a set of sheep “backpacks” for Christmas. I put them in the closet and thought, maybe we will give those a try when the girls are more active. not really sure I would ever bring myself to leash my children. Then one day we planned a trip to the zoo and I thought it would be nice to give them a chance to see the world outside the confines of the ever present double stroller.
They hugged on them, and loved on them and as soon as they went on their backs they spun in circles like cats chasing their tails. I had a feeling it wasn’t going to go well, so I wisely loaded up the stroller “just in case.” Mothers intuition is always right. We had not made it 5 feet inside of the zoo before one twin flat out refused to take another step. She sat. On the ground. Refusing to move. At that point I realized that if I pulled or tugged at her even the slightest bit I would run the risk of truly looking like a pet owner pulling their dog from someones bushes.
I caved, put her in the stroller and I have to say, she was as happy as a clam. The other twin soon followed suit and I have never seen them so happy to be in the stroller in all of their 2 years.
Are you a Mom of twins? Multiples? How do you do it? How do you safely introduce them to the world beyond the cup holder on the double stroller?
My twins are 3 1/2 – my suggestions would be to just wait a little longer : ) When your girls are listening better and understand the consequences of getting separated from you better, like 2 1/2 – 3ish, try short, safe trips w/o the stroller. Into the library for story time, quick stops for 1 or 2 items at a small drug store. I still don’t venture into large arenas like the zoo or a superstore w/o the security of the double stroller or a double shopping cart (God bless Costco : ) )
Or plan trips for when you have back-up. I specifically go to the mall, gardens, zoo, McWane with my husband so that we are one on one while getting them used to walking with us. Or at least go with another mom friend or 2. They can help to watch one girl if you need to chase down her sister. Another benefit to group trips is that kids have a herd mentality and don’t want to wander too far from all of their friends.
Good luck!!! It just keeps getting easier and more fun! Promise : )
My twins are 4 1/2 and I would recommend venturing out slowly. By the time mine were 3 I could take them places alone with no worries. I could take them to the zoo, the park, the mall, whereever, without any concern. I contemplated leashes, but never bought them.
I think a lot of it depends on your demeanor with your children and how you react to them in tricky situations. I’m pretty strict on my twins and they know exactly what to expect if they run off from me or don’t listen to me in public. It may sound harsh, but I had to be in control or else I would never have ventured out on my own.
Good luck! I agree with Catherine, it definitely gets easier and LOTS more fun! So far 4 is my favorite age!!!