No matter how prepared we think we are, transitioning from one child to two can be overwhelming. Just leaving the house often involves complex choreography and a lot of patience.
However, I have found that one of the best ways to deal with two people who are often completely irrational and prone to erratic public outbursts is to cut myself some slack and do the best I can – which sometimes means doing absolutely nothing. So give yourself permission to take off your Super Mom cape every now and then. You won’t lose any of your powers! Here are five tips to get you through raising two.
Make each one feel special (in your own way).
It can be tough to create special moments for each child when your days are packed, but even a few minutes of cuddle time here and there can make a difference to your little ones. My preschooler is my Special Grocery Store Assistant in charge of counting veggies. My toddler gets his special Mommy & Me story time when his sister is at school. While I wish I could do more, these little rituals have quickly become quality time that we all look forward to.
Ask for help.
Most of us have no problem delegating household tasks to our significant others, but we sometimes forget to take advantage of an older kid who is eager to help. Find age appropriate tasks that will keep your child occupied and get them into the habit of pitching in around the house. My three-year-old loves to fetch diapers, put dirty laundry in the washing machine and set the table. It may take a little longer to get things done, but I’ve found it to be a productive way to burn off some toddler energy.
Throw away the schedule.
Some of my favorite days with my kids are totally spontaneous. Those beautiful sunny days spent picnicking at Brooklyn Bridge Park, wandering around the zoo, or stopping for ice cream with no regard for lists or schedules. Try leaving your watch at home and enjoying your neighborhood (or better yet, a new one) with your little ones. Seeing the world through the eyes of your kids can remind you of all the beautiful and funny things we miss when we’re rushing around to classes and play dates.
Let them veg out (a little).
I’m sure there are lots of parents out there throwing daggers at me right now, but I truly believe that television (in moderation, of course) is okay every now and then. Now of course I’m not talking Scandal here. There are plenty of shows on PBS geared towards toddlers and preschoolers that reinforce important concepts like reading, counting and social skills such as sharing and helping others. Designate a small chunk of time for television when you need to recharge or prep dinner. You can even talk to them about what they saw to make sure they are getting the right message.
Take a mommy time out.
At the end of the day, make sure you take the time you need to recharge your battery. Before you clean the house, pay bills or some other grown up activity, give yourself a little time for something that requires little to no brain power whatsoever. Have a glass of wine, give yourself a DIY pedi or watch a ridiculous reality show. You put in a long day at the office. You deserve it!
