Going Out In Public With Toddlers

I have twin daughters that will be 3 in August. I love being a twin mom. I really think that twins are the coolest. Of course, it has come with its share of challenges.

The main challenge that I have noticed is the sharing. They have shared with one another since they were womb mates. They’ve shared a womb, a bed, clothes, shoes, food, attention, etc. I even noticed them sharing the last sucker today. They are pros! However, I’ve always felt guilty that there hasn’t been enough of me to go around. Now, with a new baby sister on the way, I wonder and sometimes worry how they will adapt…

I have decided to spend as much time with just them as I can when the opportunity presents itself. I’m going to take them for treats or to the grocery (their favorite adventure) or to a restaurant for their favorite burger and fries.  Maybe I’ll be brave enough to take them to a park alone! And yes, I waited until they were almost 3 years old to take them to a restaurant by myself. Seriously? Why didn’t I do this before? Because I was totally terrified! What if they have a tantrum? What if they took off running in different directions? What if they escaped my grasp and ran off in a busy parking lot?  What if people judge me? What if I lose my temper and become “that mom”. What if someone makes the dreaded comment after looking at my 2 toddlers and pregnant belly: “Whoa, you have your hands full don’t ya?!” or “Better you than me!”  What if they whisper and stare like we are a circus act? I finally decided to stop worrying about what other people say or might say and just do it.  And you know what,  we are a freakin’ circus act (minus the creepy clowns of course). But it’s our freakin’ circus! And those are our monkeys.

Why do we let the fear of what other’s (mainly strangers at that) think keep us from doing things?

Why am I letting those possible situations keep me from making memories with this sweet duo before their baby sister arrives?

What a waste of time! So, I have decided to stop worrying about that and take the girls out. Maybe it ends it total chaos. Who cares? We are making memories regardless, right? Do we get stared at? Yes. Do people make comments? Yes. Do people help and open doors? Yes!

Today, we went to Wendy’s for burgers and fries. They did amazing! Then we went to the grocery pharmacy, and since it was an in and out trip, I let them walk since the shopping carts aren’t equipped for more than one child. This one was tricky. I kid you not, there were obstacles EVERYWHERE! Minnie Mouse balloons, a huge cage full of assorted bouncy balls, stuffed animals, toy cars. I thought I walked into a toy store instead of the grocery. (Why do grocery stores have toys?) Each girl was going in a different direction and reaching for everything they could get their fingertips on. I could just see them grabbing one ball and all the others come tumbling out into the aisle! How would I deal with that?! I’m 28 weeks pregnant and knew it was impossible for me to run away with the girls over my shoulders if total chaos broke out. Enter a kind pharmacy tech and the magical dum dum suckers! LIFESAVER! We managed to pick up my prescription and exit the store completely unscathed.

The moral of this story is to just take the kiddos out. Enjoy this season of life. Will there be meltdowns? Of course. Toddlers are the most unpredictable creatures. But sometimes, just sometimes, you will find a kind employee with candy to distract your child just long enough to make it back to the car.

(Disclaimer: I do not encourage taking candy from strangers lol)