I have to admit, taking my kids to the pool is not my idea of a good time. In fact, I absolutely dread it. I know this might make me sound like a bad mom, especially when summer is supposed to be filled with fun in flip-flops, the smell of chlorine, and the scent of sunscreen. But if you’ve ever dealt with toddlers at the pool, you understand that the stress of getting there far outweighs any joy that might come from the experience.
While other moms are excitedly discussing their summer plans at the pool or dreaming of beach getaways, I can’t help but wonder what they know that I don’t. Sorry, but I have to say it: going to the pool is just not enjoyable. And don’t even get me started on the beach!
The Chaotic Preparation
Just last week, I foolishly thought a pool trip would be a great way to kick off summer fun. The pool opens at 11 a.m., so preparations began at 10. First, there was the sunscreen routine, which involves wrestling my kids into submission to cover them in thick, white lotion to protect their delicate skin from the harsh sun. It’s advised to do this 20 to 30 minutes before sun exposure, but my kids loathe this process, turning it into a chaotic battle. And of course, the more you manage to apply, the slipperier they become.
By the time we were ready, I was dressed in the latest postpartum swimwear (let’s be honest, it’s more of a cover-up), and I too had slathered on SPF 50, even though I could barely reach my back. For my kids, I packed a selection of snacks—nutritious yet easy to eat without mess, ideally something like organic carrot sticks and hummus, which I stuffed into a lightweight cooler I alone was managing.
Finally at the Pool
Finally, we arrived at the pool. I unbuckled car seats, gathered my purse, diaper bag, a slow-moving 18-month-old, and that cooler, making my way across the scorching asphalt to what I hoped would be a fun day. After passing my entry passes to the teenage attendant, who questioned me about the swim diapers I had, we were finally in.
The Dreaded Swim Diapers
Now let’s take a moment to discuss swim diapers, shall we? They’re the bane of every toddler mom’s existence. Allegedly designed to allow your child to pee or even have a poop while swimming without polluting the pool, we all know they fail after just one tiny wee. So, of course, I waited until the last second to put them on.
Once we settled, it became apparent that only one lounge chair was available. We squeezed onto the hot plastic slats to unload our gear. Towels came out, shoes came off, swim diapers went on, swimsuits were adjusted, and sunscreen was reapplied before I finally allowed the kids to dive into the water.
Adult Swim Time
But just five minutes later—surprise! It’s adult swim time. Seriously? At 11 a.m. on a Tuesday? The only adults in the pool are mamas with clingy toddlers. We all dragged our kids out and exchanged eye rolls until the break ended.
This cycle repeated itself, including another round of the dreaded sunscreen dance, until noon rolled around. It was time for snacks and a bathroom break. Getting a swim diaper off my 3-year-old while trying to keep my 18-month-old from touching everything in the cramped restroom was an exercise in patience. And then, just when I thought things couldn’t get worse, I realized my youngest was pooping in her swim diaper. Perfect. Now I had to navigate both kids and a diaper bag into the tiny, humid bathroom stall to clean her up. Trust me, the humidity in that space rivals that of the Amazon rainforest.
Time to Pack Up
After two hours of this chaos, I was exhausted, and my kids were looking a bit too sun-kissed. It was time to pack it up. While a mom of older kids might just throw towels at them and head back to the car, a toddler mom has to gear up for nap time. I changed the kids out of their swimsuits (and swim diapers) but decided to leave my own wet attire on—who has time for that?
Finally, we made it home, and thankfully, the kids fell asleep in the car. I carried them to their beds and collapsed on the couch, hair a mess and my back stinging from the sunburn. I prayed for long naps as I drifted off to sleep myself.
Conclusion
So, if you think about inviting me and my little ones to the pool anytime soon, please don’t take it personally when I say no. We’ll be happily playing in the sprinkler for the remainder of summer.
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In summary, the pool may be a summer staple for many, but for parents of toddlers, it can be a chaotic and exhausting endeavor. Instead, consider simpler summer fun like sprinklers!