first week alone with 3 kids...tips?

CaitlinJ22

Dh works offshore and is gone for 3 wks at a time. Mom left yesterday so I have 2 weeks alone until DH comes back. First night went fine, and i have taken them all out once...but I am curious about any tips from moms of 3 or more. planning, places to go, things to do ahead of time etc. DD is the hardest right now at just 2, and the baby is ok so far, just going through his 3 wk growth spurt so thats tough. I hate staying home all day too.  

I have no family here and would prefer not to use a sitter this week as the kids have been so off on their routines since DS was in the NICU for a week before my mom came. I just need to establish their routines again.

Thanks for any tips! 

BeckyTheEngineer

My bid for sanity was having some sort of activity that got me out of the house each day: library, grocery store, mall, park.  Nothing major, but something.  I also have a strict meal and nap schedule for my almost-2-year-old, and she needs that structure.  I think the best thing I did was showering at night once all kids were asleep.  I usually prefer mornings, but it would never happen in peace that way.

moonfaerie

Tips: I try to shower first thing in the morning, which is when DD3 has a long stretch of sleep.I give DD1 and DD2 cups of milk to drink in their cribs, so everyone is contained while I shower.

I keep the diaper bag stocked so it's ready to go whenever we are. I re-stock at night, since getting everyone ready in the morning is the most challenging part for me.

If I need to put things in the car before we go somewhere, I do it either the night before our outing or while the older two are eating breakfast so they don't get into trouble while I'm running out to the car.

Things to do: Most of our outings so far have been window shopping, because DD2 is a wild child and she doesn't listen very well, so it's easier to keep her contained on our outings. The Target stores near me have carts with seats for two kids, that the older two can ride in and then I can put DD3 in the infant carrier in the cart if I want to feel free. At the mall, I have the older two in the double stroller and wear the baby.

The library near me will let DD1 in the baby story time, even though she is older than 24 months, so that is one place I can take the kids and let the older two loose, but they're still contained in one room. Maybe a library near you has a program for babies or toddlers that you could take all kids to?

Do you have any children's museums nearby, or museums with rooms dedicated to children? There are a few near us so they are on my list of activities. Also we have playground equipment store that have open play sessions inside their store, which is great since my area usually has a lot of code red heat advisory days during the summer. The kids can play on swings, slides, seesaws, etc, that you could buy for your backyward, but stay cool and be in a smaller space.

When DD3 has better head control, I will feel more comfortable wearing her a bounce house while the other two play. I like to be able to crawl in after them if need be, so I don't want to go while she is still pretty floppy. Asa bonus, my kids take awesome naps afterwards.

MammaBear81

After you've got things back to normal routine wise I think it's a really great idea to go outside at least once a day if possible.  I've always tried to plan our "outside" activities in the morning, and "inside" activities in the afternoon.  If a meltdown is going to occur it usually happens in the afternoon, and I'd rather be in the house when it happens.  I plan out our day (as best I can) and pack everything I will need the night before (and put it in the car) so I'm not spending hours in the morning just to get out of the house.

Places to go: park, playground, indoor play places, children's museum, swimming (if your town has a gated kiddie pool), petting zoo, farm.

bellelamb

For me it's easiest to wear the baby and have the toddler in the stroller, my oldest is 8 so he can walk and help.  I also put kids in the car and then get my bags and drinks and such from the house to the car then I know they're strapped in and safe. Other than that practice makes perfect its easier now than it was to begin with.