Would you take 3 kids to a parade by yourself?

today is our city's annual children's pirate parade. last year, i took my older two and my mom watched the youngest. my middle one didn't like the noise so much, but she's older now so she may enjoy it.

the thing is i'd have to take them by myself. my parents have plans today. i could go with other friends that are bringing their kids, but that still doesn't help my situation as far as having an extra pair of eyes on my children. they are 6, 4 & 3. im also not fond of crowds, like at all, but i know they would have a good time so id be willing to grin and bear it for a couple of hours if i thought it would be worth it. im just afraid because im only one person and its a crowd of about 10,000 people, they could get lost in an instant.

would you go?

Answer Question

SHARE THIS QUESTION:

Asked by tnm786 at 9:17 AM on Jan. 19, 2013 in General Parenting

131955 Level 41

Answers (11)

I would and I have. I don't like crowds and I have dealt with anxiety issues all my life. I do not like new situations at all. But my children enjoy parades and I don't always have someone to help me out. My children are now 17,14 and 12, but when they were younger, I did take them to parades and such all by myself. It was fine. Just like it will be fine for you.
The oldest can help. Everyone holds hands and stays together. It will be just fine. Lots of people do it. Your kids will enjoy it.

Answer by tempsingl3mom at 9:33 AM on Jan. 19, 2013
Credits: 10355 Level 21 General Parenting 101

Found an answer to your question?
Like us on Facebook!
I would. You hold the hands of your 3 & 4 year old, have the 6 year old hold one of their other hands so that you all stay together. And in a situation like this, a little bribery for good behavior is okay. ;) I'd tell them something like that we'd get some ice cream or maybe eat out or some other special treat they don't often get, if they stick close, listen, pay attention, and behave. Usually works for my boys.

Answer by wendythewriter at 9:45 AM on Jan. 19, 2013
Credits: 41506 Level 29 General Parenting Minor

Found an answer to your question?
Like us on Facebook!
Probably not. If I did, I'd have the 3 & 4 year old in a stroller but I don't know if they could see the parade from that vantage since you said there are a lot of people. When there are that many people it isn't fun anyway. All the little ones can see is other peoples backsides :)

Answer by ILovemyPaulie at 9:50 AM on Jan. 19, 2013
Credits: 81120 Level 36 General Parenting Major

Found an answer to your question?
Like us on Facebook!
3 kids-no way.

Answer by booklover545 at 10:15 AM on Jan. 19, 2013
Credits: 104687 Level 38 General Parenting Major

Found an answer to your question?
Like us on Facebook!
paulie you have a point. unless you arrive 5 hours early, you wont get a spot up front and they'll be far out of reach of beads and from view.

Comment by tnm786 (original poster) at 10:16 AM on Jan. 19, 2013
Credits: 131955 Level 41 General Parenting Major
I would. I have taken all 3 kids all sorts of places on my own. DH works a lot in the summer and if we want to go see something I have to be the one who takes them. The only place I drew the line for "on my own" was Disney. Now that I have 2 teens, I could even do that. One of them could watch the youngest while I went on a ride with another.

Answer by balagan_imma at 10:39 AM on Jan. 19, 2013
Credits: 72615 Level 35 General Parenting Major

Found an answer to your question?
Like us on Facebook!
3 kids, sure. 3 kids those ages, no. If they were older, yes i would.

Answer by Ginger0104 at 10:52 AM on Jan. 19, 2013
Credits: 122540 Level 40 General Parenting Major

Found an answer to your question?
Like us on Facebook!
I would and have many times. Just be extra vigilant.

Answer by Mom-2-3-Girlz at 11:06 AM on Jan. 19, 2013
Credits: 93292 Level 37 General Parenting Degree

Found an answer to your question?
Like us on Facebook!
3 kids that young along. In a crouded situation like that. No I wouldn't. Unless I had the 2 youngest in a stroller.

Answer by louise2 at 12:06 PM on Jan. 19, 2013
Credits: 91824 Level 37 General Parenting Degree

Found an answer to your question?
Like us on Facebook!
Would you be able to find a good parking spot and just stay in the car? I did this but I live in a small town. Otherwise you will need a double stroller. I have 5 boys, ages 15 months, 3 (4 in April), 7, 9, and 11. Sometimes my DH is available to help, sometimes not. I really just depends on the temperaments of the children. My older 3 are easier now and they help My 4th is an easy, very complacent, cooperative child, my 5th however, won't sit still, into everything, and afraid of nothing. If you go, tell them exactly what you expect before you get out there, the consequences of disobeying, and rewards for minding.

Answer by HHx5 at 12:32 PM on Jan. 19, 2013
Credits: 16790 Level 23 General Parenting 101

Found an answer to your question?
Like us on Facebook!