managing many small children in public

[LosAngelesMom]

We have 4 children under 3 1/2. As many of you know, going out anywhere can be a total fiasco.

What insight can you offer? Never take them anywhere until they're older? Lay down the law & keep them in line w/fear tactics?

What was your strategy?

[tommylu]

Hi !
My first response would be DONT DO IT ! stay home !! LOL !!BUT we all know that is not practical. I have 4 boys, three under 5 so its not too bad,my 3yo is the worst when out,he still has tantrums everynow and then,come to think of it my 10 yo still has tantrums !!:laughing: I find that its easier to go out with them when they are not tired,i always have lots of healthy/unhealthy snacks/treats with me in my bag."In Case of emergency tantrum" LOL. Also try to stay calm (as hard as that is) and dont overtire them.

With my 3yo lately i tell him that if he is a good boy for mummy I'd get him a treat after we have finished. it worked like a charm ! i was able to try on 6 pairs of jeans as he SAT in the fitting room with me !:eek: total shock ! not sure if it was just first time lucky.must try it again soon. :D

Hope this helps,Good luck and happy shopping !;)

[mumof3sons]

I find going out in the mornings with my 2yo and 6mo after i have dropped 5yo off to school is the best part of the day for me they seem to be a lot happier than after 3pm and i'm generally home in time for them to have there mid day nap. Also taking a drink and snacks to keep them occupied or we start talking about what colours something is or spot the bird.:) Good luck

[mich71]

i use a tot a long strap which goes on there wrist i cant be chasing them in my condision at the moment

[CJJHRA]

when my twins were little (well when they could walk, they were ok when sitting in their pram! LOL), I never went anywhere with the kids by myself!

and daycare one day a week :D so you can grocery shop in peace

[malinda84]

I have 7 (9, 6, 4, 2,2,1 and 8m) and 4 (4,1,1, 9m) that i look after in the day i have a twin side by side which has a toddler seat on it. I have the 3 one year olds in the pram the 2 babies i carry one on my back and one on the front the 2 year olds stand on a kiddy ridder and the rest walk. i give them all a list( the younger ones get 1 thing) and they have to look for it. they love it. I find talking to them and reminding them to look helps. I sometimes will get them something, but most of the time it costs to much lol. The nappy bag is my problem i need a suitcase just to take the bottles. but i love it. will admit, can't wait untill they all walk and i don't have to cary them lol :D

[Tarnya]

We use bribes :) We do the shopping on the same day every week so it's easier more like a part of the weekly routine. I cut out a voucher for the ice cream shop that comes in the local paper every week and they know IF they bahave they get one ice cream when we are finished the coupon is two for one so with two it's easy but once the third comes I'll have to rethink the strategy I think. :)