Managing a 3-month-old baby and a toddler is a delicate balancing act. Someone always seems to be tired, hungry or in need of a diaper change. In a matter of days, I became a female version of Bernie Mac: “These kids have me beat down and I’m tired, America.”
I learned a few things during my solo stint. And if it helps just one reader get through a handful of days at home alone with their young children, I’ve done my job.
1. Speed is your friend.
Being a mom is a lot like playing a game of beat the clock. I often find myself asking, how quickly can I get all three of us dressed before someone spits up, pees or has a meltdown? Moving fast is a necessity. Coffee helps, but organization is the key to sanity.
I’m not a planner, and I don’t like to think of the next day when the current day is winding down, however, I learned that it’s best to prepare before the day begins — outfits, diapers, bottles, coffee, etc. Working this way requires an assembly line mentality, but it’s effective.
When Lauren asked for her sippy cup, I had it in her hand in record time (usually I’m fumbling through cabinets and diaper bags to find it). Being this organized for small things made me feel like I could take on bigger things. And who doesn’t need a little self-empowerment to get through a day?
2. Stay out of the house as long as possible.
I’m a neat freak, but I’ve had to let go of the idea of having a clean house — at least for the next few years. Lauren is a human hurricane. She can have every cabinet in the kitchen emptied in 60 seconds. What better way to avoid the mess than leave the house for a few hours? It’s hard getting out with two little ones, but well worth it once you break free. Trips to Target are suddenly thrilling. Let’s go down the aisle with the talking Elmos! And the park is a godsend. Long walks mean little ones stay put in the stroller for at least 30 minutes. And when they’ve had enough of that, the playground is right around the corner.
3. Reward yourself with dessert and mindless television.
There is little down time when you’re alone with two kids. When they are both in bed, there’s nothing I like better than watching makeover shows on Bravo while enjoying a bowl of chocolate fudge brownie ice cream. It’s fun to be self-indulgent — even with two baby monitors purring in the background.
Jennifer Hazard lives and writes in Yarmouth.