Pandemic parenting is in a league of its own. The exclusive club of people who came into parenthood in 2020 or beyond is accustomed to pioneering a new set of parenting challenges that no one can advise or instruct. Now that the world is opening back up and we are learning to socialize in the pandemic, it’s time for our little ones to experience life outside the house.
However, this can be super intimidating! Sanitizing everything, keeping a mask on a 2-year-old, and dying inside when your kid licks anything (or anyone) is exhausting. If your child hasn’t experienced a grocery store, the thought of taking them on an airplane is just too much.
Whether going to a restaurant for the first time or taking a family vacation, you can prepare your child to venture out into public before you step outside.
Check out these five tips to make the journey tolerable and (hopefully) enjoyable for everyone:
1. Wipes/sanitizer/handwashing
These days, grabbing hand sanitizer on your way out of the door is as natural as remembering your keys. But, with germaphobia at an all-time high and a toddler’s ability to rub in sanitizer probably non-existent, you’ll need to arm yourself with antibacterial wipes. You can’t even imagine what things a toddler will touch until it’s too late and your two-year-old decides that their chair at the restaurant looks tasty.
2. Read books with real faces
A million things can and will overwhelm your child out in the world, and strangers are one of them. So, prep your kid for the diverse sea of faces they’ll meet outside the home. Books with actual photos – not just illustrations – are a great way to familiarize them with real faces.
3. Practice hand-holding/safety in the house
Prepare your child for the basics of safely navigating the world before you leave home! For example, teach your child to hold your hand while walking in the neighborhood. It’s never too early to demonstrate how to look both ways before crossing the street! Learn the difference between walking and running in a safe space at home – make a game of it!
4. Always have snacks on hand
PACK THE SNACKS! The pressure isn’t all on the child to learn to exist outside of the house; remember that you won’t have the amenities of home on hand. Keep a few non-perishable snacks in the diaper bag, car, or purse if your errands take longer than planned (they will – hello, Target run!).
These pouches are nutritious and delicious
5. Don’t be afraid to be flexible with their schedule
One of the perks of being homebodies through the pandemic is setting and sticking to a nap schedule. It can feel criminal to sabotage your hour-by-hour routine just to enjoy brunch. Sometimes it’s okay to have your avocado toast and eat it, too! Relax, do what you must, and think of it as an opportunity to teach your child to be resilient and flexible!
Recommendation: A few deep breaths!
What do you bring on an outing with your toddler? Leave a comment and let us know!
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