"I don't know how you can juggle between work and three children!" is a common remark I get from my friends. But I think I would not be able to do so (mind you - without any helper) if I had no family support from my in laws and my hands-on husband. Because of them, I never really had to take care of them all by myself as they are always ready to assist whenever I need them to - just open my mouth and ask - that's all I need to do. (Yes, I am indeed blessed)
Of late, I have had a few experiences whereby I have to spend my weekends without my husband when he travels overseas for assignment. For the first time when I had to do it last year, I freaked out. Imagine being out and about with three princesses i.e. 8yo (special child), 6yo and a 2yo alone! I have to start planning our full day plan even as early as two nights before where I have to visualize our day out and work out every single details in my mind. (The kan-cheong side of me unleashed)
And guess what? It is not that tough after all. I totally think that it is doable for any mum who acts as the "bad cop" in the house. You know what I mean? Here are a few tips I listed down which helped me to draw out my day out alone with three children. Hope these tips help you at some point in time to challenge your motherhood to another level. LOL
Tip 1: Dress comfortably
Ditch your high heels and put on the most comfortable outfit as you will have no one to help you when you are putting on your pairs of lavish (yet complicated) heels, remember? I will choose to wear pants/jeans (with pockets) and comfortable blouse. Remember, the pockets come handy to keep handkerchief, small toys, your car keys, car park ticket, etc.
Tip 2: Pack necessities
As I have a 2yo baby, I will make sure that I have her necessities such as wet tissue, diapers, a set of clothes & milk powder in both her diaper bag (or any bag that you usually use) and my Longchamp sling bag respectively. As such, I can choose to travel light (with one bag) or travel with both bags depending where I go. Whereas, my toddlers would have their water bottles carried by themselves at all time. (Make it their responsibilities to undertake these tasks! You would have one less thing to carry with you.)
Tip 3: Plan your route
I am sure that there are more things you want to do even when you are managing them alone. Well, plan it well I.e. where you should bring them to. I will not go to places where requires me to park far away and walk in the open. It will only expose us to dangers such as snatch thief or reckless driver. Hence, my choice is always either a neighborhood café or a shopping mall. As such, I would have a peace of mind where I have eliminated some of the risks that I may expose them (and myself) to.
Tip 4: Always communicate with my girls before we start our journey.
My 6yo had asked me many times "Mummy, how can you manage three of us alone?" and I told her that "Of course I can do it if you cooperative and be a good girl. So are your sisters".
My 6yo had asked me many times "Mummy, how can you manage three of us alone?" and I told her that "Of course I can do it if you cooperative and be a good girl. So are your sisters".
Fret not of telling your girls that it is challenging to bring them out but you would still want them to have a fun weekend but they need to follow rules. And spell out the rules... I do that even with my 8yo special child even though she might not understand fully of what I have just spelled out. But they need to 'work' together with you in order to have a stress-free day out, right?
Tip 5: Shh Shh (wee wee) first.
Photo courtesy of makchic.com showing the best baby room in shopping mall. Pictured is Parkson 1-Utama.
Don't wait until nature calls! It is far more challenging to bring all three girls to loo if you don't follow tip #3.
Shopping malls are best as there are always spacious baby rooms that I can find where I can change my baby and also get each of my girls to go wee wee.
So remember (1) to shh shh before your start your day out, (2) to shh shh when you reach your destination, (3) and shh shh before you leave your destination. As such, you don't have to stress when one girl is eating, and another girl telling you that she has an urgent nature call.
Tip 6: Always use your stroller/ trolley
Wherever I go, will always make sure I use my stroller where I can keep my baby safe and also to help carrying my barang-barang (essentials). My other two girls will each assign one side of the stroller bar/handle and their hand can't leave the bar/handle no matter what.
This is my rule whenever we are out and about. When they wander off, they will be given warning and informing how dangerous the action is. If they are not following this simple rule then they may not get to be out and about with mummy as it is dangerous.
Of course I believe that this practice should start from young. Just like how my kids know that they need to be on car seats when they are travelling out. There is absolutely no exception.
Separately, you gotta make sure that you know how to use your stroller and able to set it up and keep it FAST. As you wouldn't want to be busy figuring how to use it in the carpark and leaving your children in the car unattended to. My choice is always a light-weight umbrella-fold stroller (similar to the picture).
Tip 7: Keep your trip out short and brief. Stay focus.
I know that we always have tones of errand we need to run when it comes to weekend. But when you are alone, you need to plan smart. Try to keep your trip out brief and leave the shopping to weekdays (during lunch time and right after work) or use online shopping. That is because it becomes even more challenging and dangerous if you were to take care of your children and your shopping bags. A nice meal out or a quick shopping is alright.
I know that we always have tones of errand we need to run when it comes to weekend. But when you are alone, you need to plan smart. Try to keep your trip out brief and leave the shopping to weekdays (during lunch time and right after work) or use online shopping. That is because it becomes even more challenging and dangerous if you were to take care of your children and your shopping bags. A nice meal out or a quick shopping is alright.
Tip 8: If none of the above helps...
I know the above tips may sound easy but it may be tough for some mothers/fathers. If you are not playing the role of a "bad cop" in the family, you would have difficulties putting some of the above tips in practice.
I know the above tips may sound easy but it may be tough for some mothers/fathers. If you are not playing the role of a "bad cop" in the family, you would have difficulties putting some of the above tips in practice.
Well, if none of the above helps, then you probably should consider staying home over the weekend. What to eat? Order your takeaway meals from one of the operators in the market like #foodpanda. It is very convenient with small delivery fee. Buy your groceries online like what I did with #TescoMalaysia online store. You know... you can survive at home with these helps.
Lastly, don't under estimate your motherhood/fatherhood capabilities. Anyone can do a great father or mother without a helper tagging along all the time. If haven't done it does not mean you can't do it.
Bottom line is you should always see it as a fun chore spending time with your children rather than a torture task.
Have a joyous parenthood!
XOXO.
