Having a preschooler is like living with a tornado in human form. A non-stop whirlwind of enthusiasm, defiance and, let’s be honest, complete and utter craziness, getting out the door with your preschooler can be the second toughest part of the day (let’s not talk about bedtime just yet!). Here are 36 of the thoughts that run through my head when I’m trying to leave the house with my four-year-old. (*All names have been changed to protect late running parties!)
1. Where’s the child?
2. Where are her shoes?
3. Did I really dress her in that outfit? Oh wait, no, she did that herself.
4. Is it really important that I brush her hair?
5. I’m sure just shoving it in a ponytail will be fine. Voila! Messy chic!
6. Where’s a wipe, there’s breakfast on her chin.
7. How did cereal get so crusty in such a short time?
8. How on Earth can she still be hungry?
9. Fine, have a yogurt pouch. What do I care if your teeth rot.
10. I do care if your teeth rot. Here’s your toothbrush, now brush your teeth.
11. Still no shoes—can you go pick a pair?
12. No, sandals are not appropriate when it’s looking like snow.
13. You want to change your outfit again? No you can’t wear the Elsa costume.
14. Fine you can wear the Elsa crown and take the Elsa doll with you instead.
15. What about Anna? Why does Anna always get left out?
16. Personally, Anna is my favorite.
17. Crap, where has the child gone again?
18. Why is it when I need to make a phone call or go to the bathroom she refuses to play by herself, and yet when it’s time to leave the house, I find her playing quietly in her room?
19. Argh. I’m going to have to clean up all these toys again.
20. Or am I? Surely four is old enough to put away her own toys?
21. I really need a coffee.
22. Where’s my bag?
23. No snacks in the bag—rookie mistake. Where are the rice crackers, Goldfish and popcorn packets?
24. And the water bottle—better refill it quickly.
25. Do I have enough spare clothes and a pack of baby wipes?
26. When can I stop carrying snacks, water bottles and baby wipes with me everywhere I go?
27. I feel like a sherpa.
28. Coffee’s cold. Ice coffee it is!
29. Phone, jackets, scarves, hats, shoes, scooter, helmet, check.
30. Where’s the child? Get out of my perfumes!
31. Go to the potty! I know you need to go!
32. Where are my keys?
33. The dog. Crap. Literally.
34. We’re late. So so so so late.
35. That’s alright, Sandra* will be later than us.
36. Ok, we can do this! Where’s that coffee?
This article was first published on MommyNearest
Oh goodness… I love this. It is such a mission to go anywhere with little people 😀 Thanks for the giggle.
Thank you Kaz!
Where are the keys is our favourite saying in our house. My five year old kindly tells me “wherever you put them last Mummy, your keys are your responsibility”. Touche.
Lol your five year old!! I can’t believe how much sass kids have.
This just about sums up the daily routine of having kids. Now days it is more get some shoes and get in the car, the rest doesn’t really matter. The older kids sort themselves out so it is just the toddler and she is relatively easy to organise (for now!)
Ohh so there is hope for me when she’s a bit older? Yaaaaaay!
I always feel sorry for Anna, too (being an Anna myself). She totally got the short straw. Seriously, you got inside my head…Every day is the same!! And amen for wipes; the miracle cleaner!!
It’s true, wipes clean everything! Seriously, poor Anna, right? I love Anna! Thanks for stopping by Anna 🙂
Soooooo much YES!!!!!
Haha, glad you’re with me on this!
Every. Freaking. Time.
YESSSS!
It’s much better now, but I remember so well those days when all the girls were so much younger, getting the four of them out of the house and on time was impossible!
I can’t imagine how you wrangled four young kids out the door!
Love it Christine! Oh so familiar.
Thanks Claire!
Bwaaa ha ha, I hear you loud and clear! With my 4 little ones, I find it a constant battle to get anywhere on time. And, on the occasion that we do, someone has lost a shoe or hair tie. ;-D Lol, love it. – Lauren
Haha! I hear you! Thanks Lauren 🙂