7 Things That Seem Like a Good Idea With Toddlers but Aren't
:upscale()/2014/07/15/656/n/24155406/71f5d5e842de47d0_thumb_temp_cover_file352481611405431538.jpg)
As parents, we are looking to create lifelong memories for our young children, so we bring them places to enhance those memories — and while we have the best of intentions, the reality of doing something with a toddler does not always meet our expectations. So while we should continue to take our tots to do the following activities, as long as we don't expect it to look like a scene from a Norman Rockwell painting, we'll all be a little better off. Source: Flickr user Dave Herholz
:upscale()/2014/07/15/617/n/24155406/3b133ad552377bd0_3550102225_d21ec55245_o.jpg)
The Botanical Garden
Why it seems like a good idea: Great opportunity to teach kids about plants, space to walk around, and beautiful picture opportunities.
Why it's not: Bugs (namely bees), bathroom accessibility, allergies, flowers that should not be picked, disrupting serious botanists, and trying to keep kids quiet-ish and not throw rocks at the fish in the koi pond. Source: Flickr user bana_chan
:upscale()/2014/07/15/617/n/24155406/792baf83fa0ba73b_4918516697_5bf9a92152_b.jpg)
Petting Zoos
Why it seems like a good idea: Kids love animals, and it provides yet another learning opportunity.
Why it's not: Your child's sudden fear of barnyard animals, animals relieve themselves as they please, bugs (namely flies), germs, someone will probably get kicked/bit by a goat, the smell, and when one sibling wants to pet the baby pig all day while the other is clawing at the gate in terror. Source: Flickr user Dave Herholz
:upscale()/2014/07/15/617/n/24155406/cc91236999c049c1_5528739464_fcd8bdee61_b.jpg)
Fireworks
Why it seems like a good idea: Fireworks are awesome.
Why it's not: Loud noises, fear of everything catching on fire, short attention spans, and the fact that they start way past your tot's bedtime. Source: Flickr user Grant
:upscale()/2014/07/15/617/n/24155406/c347a178f7892ee6_8009906473_94b1772f6d_k.jpg)
Picnics
Why it seems like a good idea: Family bonding, a change of pace, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Why it's not: Bugs, dirt, bathroom accessibility, convincing your child to sit and eat, and thunderstorms that will suddenly appear as soon as you break out the PB&J. Source: Flickr user Visit St. Pete/Clearwater
:upscale()/2014/07/15/633/n/24155406/011a765749ab40c8_8571508561_aa9f5a672f_k.jpg)
Disney World
Why it seems like a good idea: Making all your child's dreams come true.
Why it's not: The other people at Disney World, making a young child wait in two-hour-long lines, sudden fear of all the characters, the heat, ambitious children who aren't tall enough for anything, and mostly your bank account. Source: Flickr user Julie, Dave & Family
:upscale()/2014/07/15/633/n/24155406/633bf54a78910324_9208694965_7e2c4f7167_k.jpg)
Camping
Why it seems like a good idea: Family bonding time, campfire stories, s'mores, and the great outdoors.
Why it's not: Sleeping (or rather, not sleeping) outside with a small child, bathroom accessibility, bugs, bears, snakes . . . Source: Flickr user Jesse Davis
:upscale()/2014/07/15/658/n/24155406/b6f930935dcc3c41_7720487350_b26ddaa4bb_o.jpg)
Art Museums
Why it seems like a good idea: Art appreciation — although let's be honest, who really thinks bringing a young child to an art museum is a good idea?
Why it's not: Kids can't touch anything, the gift shop, keeping tots quiet, no running, boredom, no drinking or eating, and people who love art but not children. Source: Flickr user davitydave