is anyone else scared....

[Mixedupmummy]

or apprehensive might be a better word; to take their dc on day trips alone?

I have 3 dc 12 months, 3 and 6. the Easter holidays are approaching and I don't want to be stuck at home for 2 weeks but the thought of taking them anywhere other than soft play is very daunting. dh will be working a lot. possibly up to 7 days a week.

I had 4 in 7 years , dh worked a lot so I just got on with it I didn't learn to drive until the 3rd one was 1 either, so we either walked to places or caught a bus .It's fairly hard work but a lot easier than them being stuck indoors

I was, until I met someone with twin toddlers, at the beach.
I gained bravery then!

I had two, 16 months apart. Widowed when youngest was 11 months.
It was a bit daunting in the early days, but I built up my confidence slowly. Went to nearby familiar places, then gradually extended my range to visit places up to 100 miles away. Days out will benefit you as well as the kids, OP - fresh air, exercise, and the chance to chat to other parents at tourist sites, on country walks, at the beach etc.
I had reins for my 2 year old while the baby was in the buggy, so she couldn’t dash into the traffic, but she was trustworthy by about 3 and a bit.
You have the added benefit of a 6 year old who can help you if the two wee ones run off in opposite directions by next year!
Be brave and just go for it - you’ll be so pleased with yourself when you manage.

thank you ladies. and thank you @Babdoc for sharing your story. I'm sorry for your loss.

I know I just need to woman up. it's just such a thought sometimes and is so tiring even just leaving the house.

were lucky that we have a very big garden with lots of play stuff and live in the country side with walks from our door step we get outside lots but we need a change of scene. I'm ok with familiar places enclosed places. but anything outdoors or open like the beach I'm worried about. 3 year old is only just 3 and is getting better but is unpredictable at times. I've been thinking it's all or nothing but agree that it's a good idea to build up to various things.

You don't need to go as the only adult, I bet there is another parent near you in a similar boat who would love to buddy up for an outing. (And no need to go straight for the beach, as others have said! Something easy and nearby and build up. Just a picnic in the park, even!)

Oh my goodness I could have written this post myself! I too have 3 DC exactly the same ages as yours and do feel the same about trips out alone, especially now my 1 year old has started walking and has realised there is life beyond the buggy! You’re brave even to manage at soft play as I haven’t even considered that yet. It’s exhausting trying to get out of the house fully prepared but I definitely find it easier than being at home all day. We go to lots of forests/woodlands and walks around the village but i do find it daunting going to the park as it’s just too difficult keeping them all safe. I leave that for when my one year old needs a nap so she sleeps in the buggy while I can keep a watchful eye over the biggest two! Good luck- I often have to tell myself to enjoy it as I stress so much sometimes that I forget how fortunate I am to have them all. Xx

You just have to put yourself out there and do it! I was the same had a just turned 5yo, 3yo, 1yo and newborn. I weirdly met a mum with two dc at primary and had twins. We organised a day out with dc and it worked out well (8dc, three very new!) I haven’t really looked back. They are now 12, 10, 8 and 7. We’ve had very hairy tones, but mainly because 2 dc have been diagnosed with autism. But I’ll let you in on a secret - it is harder to stay at home with them! Start small. Choose a nice big park and take a picnic. Build up from there. Good luck!

I get the fear too and my
Kids are the same ages. I just plan it fairly well and make sure all are well rested so I won't be fighting tiredness. I take the car usually as it's my little haven and I know they can all be contained within that space for a breather if needed.
It's difficult though but much better than being stuck in the house.