Are you a brave mom of multiples?

Baby0322 · March 2014

I'm posting this because someone in my mom group wanted me to go to Chicago to the shedd aquarium just us next week. First of all am I the only one on this board that acts like a grandma and doesn't do tollways? I'm scared and I'm not good at driving through Chicago. She thought it was funny but I'm ashamed. Anyway, am I nuts because driving an hour to Chicago on the tollway with my 4 year old that has to pee every 5 minutes and my 21 month old twins doesn't sound like a good idea to me? Just curious how others feel about this. On a side note, I need to start driving in Chicago because I enjoy going and I'd like to get used to it.

Baby0322 · March 2014

I forgot to mention that she said, " but I have three kids too!!!!!" She does not have twins. They are 5,3, and 1. Am I a big coward??

hayleydeee · March 2014

How far is the drive? If it's over an hour, and not during nap time I'd agree with you. My 3 kids and I went to our local aquarium not long ago (over an hour away) and it was more trouble than it was worth!

As for driving in cities, it takes some getting used to. I have gotten pretty good at driving in San Francisco, as long as I keep in mind not to hesitate, and to just go! I can even drive a stick shift on those crazy hills now

Maybe try a few times without the kids in the car to build up your confidence. Also, I grew up driving on the freeways everyday, so a high speed road like a tollway doesn't bother me.

Ylvelill · March 2014

Yes

but it doesn't really matter. If you won't have fun because you will be too stressed then no one will have fun. Perhaps try for something smaller? Something that is only 30 min away?

bumpuser924057 · March 2014

I took all three of mine to see a friend at a park close to two hours away. All by myself. It was fine! I'd just try it - worst case scenario is what? Kids cry? Kids cry all day long in my house, at least that way we'd do something cool.

Baby0322 · March 2014

Not worried about the crying. I think I'm more worried about getting lost in Chicago.

Baby0322 · March 2014

My boys are a handful also in crowds.

Baby0322 · March 2014

I wouldn't mind a park that far away. It's the driving through the city, trying to park. The shedd aquarium is huge and usually packed. The boys also hate the stroller. All three want to walk. I just thought it sounded like a nightmare. I guess I'm a big baby, lol.

bumpuser924057 · March 2014

Well, to be fair, mine are only nine months old and aren't walking yet

. If they aren't stroller riders, that would completely change things. I'm not experienced with Chicago, but I live in LA and nearly every attraction like that has parking available (you pay out the nose for it, but it exists). If that's not the case there, then yeah, I'm not sure I'd do it either. I don't think you're a baby; everyone has their own comfort threshold, and there's no sense in making yourself miserable if you know you won't enjoy it. But if you're waffling on it, I'd just give it a shot and see. It might not be as bad as you think, especially if you have a friend with you.

chickaboo1974 · March 2014

I live in the Chicago suburbs, the Shedd is easy to find- right by the Field Museum and Solider Field on the lake. Plenty of parking.

Which direction are you coming from? It isn't as complex as you are making it.

Angelahelena · March 2014

Take it in stride. Driving w crying kids is stressful and and highways it's hard. I've had to pull over on side of road. Best bet is to ride while they nap. Don't be a hermit. Try. Prepare n remember you can take lots of pics.

sasky · March 2014

I'm a big wimp with that stuff. Especially in a place like an aquarium. Ours in Boston is dark, echo-y, and always crowded. For me, that's an environment set up for anxiety even without kids! Having to keep an eye on 3 little ones in there would be an absolute nightmare for me and I would turn down the offer in a second.

I'm also a nervous driver, so I'm probably not the best person to ask about this. Ha!

dmurrie · March 2014

Parking is the earth and sky there. I personally detest driving in Chicago. Everyone is so cranky! You WILL get honked at.... frequently. There is no avoiding it. I don't think I'd do it without my husband or other family member along with. But I'm not a big fan of cities in the first place... part if the reason we moved out of the Chicago suburbs and settled in the Milwaukee area. Good luck!

macchiatto · March 2014

I don't blame you at all. I didn't enjoy taking my twins places like that by myself when they were that age. (And I would be intimidated driving in Chicago too; I'm just not used to it.) I think a lot of it depends on your kids. Some moms, IMO, brag a bit about all they can do but so much depends on your kids, not just on you. (And even there, we all have our strengths. Some moms rock at handling their kids in all kinds of public places while others' strong suits are in other realms of parenting.) Don't feel bad. If you think it would be fun for you and your kids, maybe give it a try but if you think it would be too stressful to be worth it, then don't. Or maybe try a smaller, closer outing first so you don't have to deal with the Chicago driving at the same time if that's also unfamiliar to you.

caden · March 2014

I'm sort of brave in that I'm willing to go places like that by myself with the kids, esp if I'm meeting other moms with kids. But I'm sort of not brave in that I have no problem bailing after 5 minutes and going right back home if an outing ends up going poorly. I bring lunches and snacks which help them stay in the stroller. Though if my kids really hated the stroller at 2yrs I'd probably never take them anywhere by myself. Usually they'd sit in it fine until they got bored, and then I'd bring out the snacks. I'd also let them stand on the seats when we'd get in front of an exhibit and stop moving.

carrotcake06 · March 2014

The driving wouldn't bother me at all - I live in a major city, so driving in it comes w the territory. When I had my tiny car pre-kids, I could wedge that thing into just about any size parking space!

Otherwise, you just gotta do it. Once you get out and do it once, it's easier the second time around.

somewhereincali · March 2014

The backpacks with leashes were great for me at that age. My kids didn't want to sit in the stroller either and I preferred them to walk and get the exercise anyway (anything in the hopes they would sleep more right?)

Baby0322 · March 2014

Thanks ladies. I was worried about both. I'll probably go with a mom I'm a little more comfortable with. Don't know her that well and I have ended up with two moms that stand there and stare at me while I'm almost in tears and their children are happy looking around in the stroller, lol. Some aren't helpful. This is with my mom group.

megs3084 · March 2014

Does it matter what others think? You have to do what you're comfortable with. The thought of taking my twins out alone scares me but I know it'll happen. That being said, the shedd is pretty easy in terms of going somewhere downtown. Its right off lake shore so you don't need to mess around w the traffic too much plus theres a parking garage that makes it pretty easy. Good luck with whatever you decide!!

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