- my iParenting
- quick clicks
- babies today articles
- babies today q&a
- toddlers today articles
- toddlers today q&a
- breastfeed.com articles
- breastfeed.com q&a
- message boards
- research baby names
- prepare a birth plan
- content channels
- ip channel rss feeds
- read birth stories
- read parenting stories
- recommended books
- e-newsletters
- safety recalls
- ip diaries
- ip store
- mom of the month
- dad of the month
- editor's letter
- letters to the editor
 |
- e-newsletters
- Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters
- award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Outings with Toddlers
Making Social Events More Fun for Everyone
By Keath Castelloe Low
Once children reach the toddler stage, they begin to discover the newfound freedom that comes with being able to move around. Sometimes, it is hard to keep up with them! Toddlers are also becoming more verbal – more noisy, too.
Family outings can be more challenging with your little one. Previously, you were able to carry your child place to place. She was more "contained." Now she is growing and beginning to discover and explore all her wonderful budding abilities. An older sibling's soccer game, a trip to the zoo, an extended family event or other parties where children are invited – all these activities become more difficult with a tot. Parents often have a rough time corralling and refocusing their little ones during these outings; as a result they end up stressed instead of enjoying themselves. How can parents make this time more satisfying?
Cynthia Bronco, a mom from Wharton, N.J., agrees that toddlers need a lot of attention. "My son is also very speedy, and it's harder to accommodate the needs of a little guy when you're not on the home field," Bronco says. To solve this problem the Bronco family often takes two cars to events. "I often leave earlier (and stressed or just worn out) with my son," Bronco says. "Unless a gathering is in our home or my parents' home, I really don't get a chance to participate or enjoy myself."
Lou Vowell, a mother from Minneapolis, Minn., shares her experience with two rambunctious toddlers. "One of my kids plays tennis with a kid whose toddler-age siblings completely broke concentration for everyone at a match by running all over the place and competing for attention," she says. The tennis match was disrupted as all eyes focused on the toddlers. "I don't know what was more distracting for the kid – trying to subdue the siblings or trying to get the parents to take them away."
Vowell says that these are the realities of parenting little ones. "They need room to run around, play, use energy and be kids," she says.
