I was experiencing despondency as a single parent to my six-year-old, three-year-old, and newborn. When I had a pram to push, it was difficult, if not impossible, to perform many family activities. I was deeply saddened that I couldn't provide kids the experiences that two or more adults can. Let alone interact with them individually.
For example:
The safety of school runs on uneven paths alongside a road full of fast cars required constant tension and hollering instructions merely to stay safe.
I was unable to play effectively with the bigger children at parks, etc. I was constantly having to run back to the pram.
Baby would get agitated since he was frequently left in the pram while I attended to the other children.
I couldn't take them to the tops of castles or into many places.
I couldn't take them on some wild walks.
The list goes on.
One day, the wheel on my Pram broke, and I was like, "Oh sh*t, what about the school run!" I had one day until the kids returned. Then I realised I had a child carrier backpack that we used while hiking with baby number one. That was my only option. I tried it on the way to school.
Oh, my Universe! It was so much better!
I haven't looked back. I was able to hook school bags, jackets, and other belongings to my body while holding both of my elder children's hands on the school run. I felt a lot happier and safer. I now use it constantly for everything! No more PRAM.
We now take road trips to castles and other attractions, spending 5 to 6 hours exploring. Baby Indy is as happy as Larry! He never complains. I can store everything I need for all four of us: diapers, wipes, beverages, snacks, raincoats, first-aid kit, selfie tripod, and so forth. The nappies are for me. I am almost 50.
At the beginning of the day, the pack weighs about 45 pounds. The advantages to physical health are enormous, as you may imagine. We visited the castles at Dover and Framlingham last week. I spent five hours at each location, climbing up the moats and climbing to the top of the castles, and exploring the curtain walls. A pram would not be able to accomplish this! I burned about 3800 calories that week from my days spent with the pack.
Muscular strength and stamina has increased throughout my back. Also I am engaging my walking muscles more, something I was really missing.
I've also performed some cheeky exercises with Indy, like bear crawls, push-ups, and pull-ups, which he adores! In addition, I can use it to climb climbing frames and sit on swings. Most newborns will never get to experience these! His happiness is priceless. My relationship with him has actually grown close. I feel like a newborn strapped on for a nomadic voyage with a primordial progenitor!
My psychological well-being has improved. I think I'm doing everything a single parent can to make sure their kids have fun. I can communicate a great deal with the elder ones now. I also receive a lot of compliments from bystanders, which is really encouraging!
It's physically demanding, so don't get me wrong; be ready to get dirty and sweaty. I have to wear lycra the entire time if I want to go out with them! I mean, I'm not going to dress up for anything ever again! The older children need to understand your restrictions and be reminded to show consideration and be aware of your status. Once you're in the swing of things, you feel strong, your body fat percentage decreases, and you feel pleased, accomplished, and content to watch your children smile more than you ever could have imagined.
Of course, it could not be an option if you have twins or triplets, or if there are health problems in your family. There are upper and lower bounds for age and size as well. When it comes to parenting, a couple may choose to have two children, share one, or even throw the pack on the back of a friend or relative. They most likely need to become more fit! Due to a car crash, I have been dealing with back and chest pain during this whole process.
Remember to take pictures and films so that as they grow up, they can look back and see that you went above and beyond what was required of you as a parent!
Update:
Since writing this I have now finished my time with the pack. With great sadness I passed to another to use for their baby! I have increased my training to compensate I also do not need as man calories!
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