Yes, my child is nearly four years old, and I still use a stroller to transport him — quite often, I might add. And you know what? I couldn’t care less about the opinions of others. Trust me, there are plenty of opinions flying around.
To all the onlookers who gasp and clutch their pearls at the sight of my preschooler in a stroller, here’s the reality: I don’t own a car, and I often navigate the bustling streets of a major city (New York City, to be precise). My stroller is a crucial part of our daily transportation.
My little one is easily distracted. While I do let him walk at times, depending on his mood and our destination, it often takes longer than expected. I find myself constantly reminding him to pay attention to where he’s stepping, not to climb the steps of every building we pass, and to hold my hand. The list goes on, and frankly, it can be exhausting. When I have somewhere important to be, I simply don’t have the time or energy for that.
Most of the time, I rely on the stroller for longer outings or shopping trips. It’s an absolute lifesaver. Whenever we head into the city, I always bring it along. The crowds can be overwhelming, and even if he’s holding my hand, it’s easy for him to become tired or distracted when walking.
After all, he’s still a little kid! His legs are short, and he gets fatigued quickly. “Mommy, can you walk slower?” he often pleads while tugging at my hand. I try, but my instinct is to move swiftly. Until he learns to keep pace with me, it makes sense for us both if I pop him in the stroller. This way, I can hustle when needed without him slowing us down.
Plus, the stroller offers him a little sanctuary. He’s naturally shy and sometimes feels overwhelmed by strangers. When that happens, he can simply pull up the sunshade and tune out the world, which benefits both of us. I don’t have to worry about him hiding behind my legs, which usually results in me tripping over him.
His stroller is equipped with a snack tray, so I can provide him with some fruit snacks or M&Ms to keep him occupied. He can even store his water bottle in the cup holder, saving me from constant retrieval every few minutes.
And the best part? If he dozes off, I don’t have to carry him. I adore my son, but he feels a lot heavier when he’s asleep, almost like carrying around a bag of bricks. Instead, I can recline the back of the stroller and let him rest peacefully.
Shopping trips also become less stressful when he’s in the stroller, especially during busy hours or when making multiple stops. He’s quite the runner, so not having to battle him over holding hands or keeping his hands off the shelves makes the outing more enjoyable for both of us and those around us.
I’m always surprised by how many people feel entitled to comment on my child being in a stroller. “Isn’t he a bit too big for that?” is a common remark. To which I usually respond, “Well, he’s three, so…” I don’t owe anyone an explanation beyond that. Yes, he could walk if he wanted, but that’s not their concern.
Honestly, if you had the choice to be pushed around in a stroller, shaded from the sun, and have snacks within reach, wouldn’t you? I don’t care if he’s five — he’s my child, and we’re both perfectly content with this arrangement.
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Summary:
The author confidently embraces using a stroller for her nearly four-year-old child, navigating the challenges of parenting in a busy city without a car. She addresses societal judgment while highlighting the practical benefits of the stroller, including safety, convenience, and comfort for both her child and herself.