Getting Real with Kira Hazledine
I thought getting an infant out the door was a lot of work as I hauled a diaper bag, car seat, and whatever else with me. I kept thinking that it would be easier to get somewhere once my child could walk and didn’t have to be carried. It definitely is some days, but other days it’s a challenge to get my independent lady out of the house on time. I’m learning as I go, but these 4 steps can make or break an on-time departure.
- Give plenty of notice.
If we are going somewhere, I let Hallie know as soon as she wakes up. She’s only 2 and doesn’t have the greatest sense of time, but she understands what it means to goes to a doctor appointment or to the grocery store. Putting these plans in her little head let me remind her why we can’t get out the play-doh or paint, because adding another mess into the situation is always a bad idea.
- Start ahead of time.
If you think you need an hour to get both you and your child(ren) out the door, you better plan for an hour and a half at least. There will be delays, and you won’t know what they are until it’s happening. Like a full tantrum because the shoes I selected are not the right shoes. Starting early also helps you make sure you have everything, including a favorite toy or extra snack. Best case scenario you will leave the house early, but does not even happen to people? I’m thrilled if I squeak out the door right on time.
- Have bribes ready.
I don’t like to resort to bribes, and normally I don’t have to. The usual glares or warnings of no time for the park if we are late typically do what I need them to. However, there are still appointments that I have to be at on time or there are consequences. I usually try to have my bribes not in candy form, like a travel coloring pack, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Sometimes a sucker is what you need to get out the door, and that’s ok.
- Expect the unexpected.
You would think that an infant would prepare us for the unexpected when leaving the house, but we foolishly assume that a toddler is less complicated. There are no more unexpected spit-ups or diaper blow-outs, but now I get to deal with last-minute potty trips and snack spills. It’s all equally destructive and still makes you late.
Leaving the house with children is not easy, but you can do it. You can actually be on time some of the time instead of none of the time, and that’s all you can ask of a busy mom.
