Firstly I'd like to say that you're doing nothing wrong! You cant help it if your toddler doesnt like sitting in the pram for long...
Maggie is 2? What I usually do if I need to walk a fair distance is take the pram but let Brianna walk. If its near a busy road etc I make her hold my hand the whole time but if its through a park or something I let her go but get her to stop when she gets a certain distance ahead of me.
There is also the option of a harness? I know alot of people refuse to use them (I used to be one of them) but they can help a great deal. I bought an animal shaped backpack one for our recent trip to the Gold Coast as I was freaked about Brianna walking in those busy theme parks. I used it once but it wasnt really needed for us but they are a great idea & of great use to some people.
Good luck with finding something that works for you. Just never think of yourself as a failure as a mother because you're not!
Oh Astrid, I hear you. Hugs sweetie, is can be isolating.
I have two very active boys, and to keep an eye on them both out and about is near impossible, let alone try to join in a conversation as well (or have a coffee even). For this reason I only have a small number of people I can see during the day - those that have childproof houses or will come here. Although I did recently discover the local indoor play centre was a great place for a meet up. Unfortunately it cost $13 to get in (which included a coffee), so it's not for every day or every week. But for an occassional outing - wow, it was great. The boys were both occupied in a safe environment. Each mum took a turn in eyeballing every child every couple of minutes, so for once I got to enjoy a coffee and adult conversation. Pure bliss!
I would suggest that you explain your dilemma to your friends. Those that are happy to make life easier for you are true friends. Those that aren't, well, you just won't see them as much. But hopefully you can build up a network of people who will come to you. Hopefully you will meet more people through existing friends, playgroups, local playground etc until you feel less isolated.
I know I hate asking people to go out of their way. But sometimes we just have to meet our own needs first - as a mum it doesn't always happen very often!
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