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Home › Articles › Family › Outings with Toddlers

Outings with Toddlers

Making Social Events More Fun for Everyone

By Keath Castelloe Low

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In general, toddlers don't do well at parties for their peers, either. "Little ones lack the social skills required to get along with other children," Dr. Sonna says. "They cannot share, they cry when they don't get their way and they lash out physically when upset."

"I suppose in some way my toddlers have dictated my social life, but they haven't ruined it by any means," says Jessica Brockmole from Edinburgh, Scotland. "We make choices based on our children and whether or not they (and subsequently us!) will feel comfortable in a social situation."

Brockmole and her husband choose small, family-run restaurants when they eat out. They dine early to miss the crowd and so the children won't disturb other diners. Brockmole also makes a special effort to bring small items that will entertain the children while waiting for the food.

While Brockmole doesn't let her children run wild, she likes to choose places where the kids can have a little bit of freedom. "I find it pointless to go to a party where I spend the whole time chasing the children around," Brockmole says. "I know we would all have more fun at home, spending the evening together. So, yes, I do make different choices now that I have children, but I don't let that influence how much fun we have. We are a family and have a family social life!"

"Since having kids I have found that if we go out, whether the kids have a good time determines whether I have a good time," says Christina Batey, a mom from Abernethy, Australia. "If they are bored and whining, I have a bad time. These days when planning a day out, I tend to think about what there is for the kids before anything else."

Dr. Sonna says that until your child is 3, the best family outings are backyard picnics and trips to the park. "Usually the best solution is to forego other types of outings altogether or leave the toddler with a sitter!" Dr. Sonna says.


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