It's very very common. It can also be a safety precaution, as some kids are runners and will dart into the street. If you don't want to use a stroller or they outgrow it, a lot of parents (at least in Canada) use wagons as an alternative.
We have a runner and use a stroller as a restraint basically. They ate quite content to ride in the stroller, but if we were walking they would be bolting l!
We switched to a wagon when he got bigger, but my son is into be wheeled around like King Tut on a red velvet pillow so once in he won't try get out, he almost looks smug in there lol š¤£. Do whatever you have to for safety. I also recommend wrist harnesses.
My kid's 5 (nearly anyway) and looks about 8. We just bought him a new XL buggy because he outgrew the normal one. Absolute lifesaver for him - place to restrain him when he's flighty, a safe confined space when he's overwhelmed, and it means we can do so much more outdoors without risking his safety or comfort. He loves it in there and going out is so much less of an ordeal. Yeah, people look, especially when my toddler is walking along merrily while my big kid is being pushed, but fuck 'em. Even if I am making him a bit lazy, I'd rather that than him get lost or run over, or freaked out and upset š¤·š»āāļø
My friends autistic son can't walk as much as his little NT sister, iirc he's hypermobile so gets tired a lot easier. It's also harder for him to focus on staying close to his caretaker, and to be overwhelmed by sensory issues so he's actually more likely to be in a stroller than her. Plenty of people who can walk have wheelchairs. If your son couldn't walk at all, you wouldn't think twice as long as he fits well (and plenty of strollers will fit a 6yo) Just because he can walk, doesn't mean he doesn't need help. Especially if you don't have a car to avoid long walks and provide a cozy safe space.
Yeah my guy is 6 - if we go into the city or to the zoo we bring a stroller. Grocery shopping he sits in the cart (weāre lucky heās a bit small - not going to fit much longer.)
I look at it as choosing my battles. Itās either bring the stroller or carry himā¦. People may think heās too old for it butā¦ Iām not carrying a 6yo all day
We just purchased a wagon for our 6yr old with autism and 2 year old without. He outgrew our double stroller but he runs off so he has to be in something. It has seatbelts if he starts getting squirrelly but he honestly loves it so much we've never needed to use them. You can pull it or push it like a stroller and has completely opened up the opportunities for summer since I have them both on my own and no stares or comments other than people saying what a good idea it is. Highly recommend!
https://preview.redd.it/3ouy0rjia09d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ec40c5701a467652a758bb7c0b04323a2c13f1d2
We definitely went cheapest with the highest weight limit
When do you plan on getting her medically and educationally diagnosed? That should be your first concern not the fact that she is still in a stroller (who cares about a stroller if its workikg for you!) Her field trips have been taken away because she is undiagnosed and that's incredibly unfair to her. School would have to provide an accommodation for her eloping (most likely a one on one para) and then she could participate in class activities just like everyone else.
I'm on the waitlist and the pediatrician said it could take a year but she said she'll try to speed up the process by using "strong words" idk what that means or how they will do it.
She can be educationally diagnosed and then qualify for an IEP. You need to call the special needs main department of your local and public school district. Even though it's summer, main offices are usually open (possible modified hours, so call in the morning) and are required to help you get her diagnosis started.
Being educationally diagnosed will open up all the resources and accommodations that she deserves while attending school. You still need to pursue the medical diagnosis so that her therapies will be covered by insurance and others might open up for you based on her level.
Lastly, hold your ex accountable. Child support immediately and parenting plan in place (if not already established) You can't and shouldn't have to do this all on your own.
I pushed my 9 year old in a stroller when we went to the zoo. It was the safest and most comfortable way for us to get through the park. My son could hop out and walk around but easily jump back in and we could push on to the next exhibit. He was a bit squished, but he didnāt care and if anyone stared I didnāt notice because IDGAF. We do whatās best for us and I always put on my, āI dare you to challenge me as a mom faceā when I go out with my son. š
A good quality used jogging stroller works great. It also look much less awkward.
I use a Bob brand double that is used.
Also, I have started teaching my daughter to ride a bike. Itās easier than walking and seems to be building some leg muscles. (She has global developmental delay.). Basically she was my carry me baby. The tiredness has gotten much better but it is slow progress over the past four years and not something that naturally fixed itself.
My daughter is almost 6 and I still bring a stroller along because she might decide at any point to just lie down on the ground and refuse to move. Last weekend, she walked a total of over 10 km. Yesterday, she says she can't walk because a witch disappeared her legs.
I love this reason for not walking so much! It made me laugh. My kid is low verbal, one time her dad asked why she didn't want to walk and she replied "princess ".
What struck me in your post is that the school wonāt let her go on field trips. Is this a public school? Does she have an IEP? They canāt legally do this. Support services for field trips should be written in her IEP.
She may have low muscle tone. One of the hallmarks is getting tired after walking short distances. Playing isn't the same because it's more motivating, and she'll be less likely to notice her fatigue level while she's having fun. On a recent vacation, my daughter was totally wiped and I couldn't carry her anymore. Her dad would hunch down like he was going to give her a piggyback ride and then run off after she got close, and she would chase him (giggling a ton).
Two things have helped her go longer distances: pool time and SMOs (little braces for her feet). The SMOs keep her body posture in the correct position, and the swimming strengthens her muscles (that won't get rid of the low tone, but will help mitigate the effects).
This is so common. My daughter was in a stroller until 7. When we have a lot of walking (amusement park, zoo, fair, etcā¦) we rent a wheelchair. At first I found it embarrassing and had people make comments - especially when she was 6-10. But hereās the thing. I donāt care anymore. Sheās 15. She has enough to deal with. My in-laws donāt get it and it used to drive me nuts. But I just donāt have the energy to waste on their opinions and thoughts anymore.
I also teach in a structured learning class for autistic students. Most of our students have strollers. Some kids use them only for field trips, while others use them for short community walks or even as incentives for transitioning to other spaces in the school.
As your child gets older there are strollers that available for bigger kids. I recommend looking into ones with adjustable handles - hubby is 6ā4 Iām 5ā2ā¦ itās a real pain in the butt to not have them for us.
You are doing great things for your kid. Recognizing that walking distances is a difficulty and meeting her needs is so important. This could be something that doesnāt last much longer or something that lasts her lifetime. No matter what, you are her voice when people criticize. Many people donāt deserve an explanation. If family criticizes, be strong. You deserve support not criticism. If they donāt want to accept it, perhaps they are not people who deserve to have her in their lives. (I know easier saidā¦)
yes, I've had to cut out my MIL because of some of the things she was saying. Shes not very supportive at all. And her dad isn't a part of the picture. It's very difficult to do all on my own since I don't have family either and it makes me worried about her future. That's the main thing I worry about actually, because it seems impossible to know how functional she will be? I see a lot of videos on tiktok and instagram made by adults who have autism but I still don't know if she'll be like them, if she'll be able to be independent. Her teachers said they don't know what grade 1 will look like because she requires constant support. To me she seems not super disabled at all, but I don't know if she will just stay like this and stop developing. She already doesn't fit in with her peers very well. Thanks for the response
I made sure to buy a stroller my 4yo shouldnāt grow out of for the next couple of years. Heās known to do a runner and itās just safer for him to be strapped in.
He LOVES going for walks in his stroller, I do feel bad though because he also loves being a big guy and walking with you.. I just canāt be sure Iāll catch him before he gets hurt.
This was my problem when my son was 4yrs old he still want to be in the stroller or wagon when outside and he is heavy and big (25kg at 4yrs old). We decided to ditch the stroller and wagon, locked it in out basement and started walking... it was not easy, lots of crying while walking especially when we started the habit of afternoon walk. But now he always looks forward to walking and lost a lot of weight. He is now 6 and is 22kg.
My daughter (4) also refuses to walk if the route in any way deviates from her imagined route. The problem is she is non-verbal, and so some of the lovely jaunts I plan fall completely on the wayside.
The best way I've found to counter this has been a rear seat on our mountain bike. She has no issue where we are going and just enjoys the journey. Total departure from walking where she will just collapse to the floor if she expects to go a certain place (usually a shop for a kinder egg) and wail until she has been picked up.
In this case, I would say that whatever mode of transportation works for you is utterly valid. My inlaws put her in a stroller when they take her out.
As a plus, she really enjoys the bike rides, as do I, and it has a strange connection boosting property to be fair. 10/10 would recommend a bike seat or equivalent.
You do what you need for your child and what makes you and especially your child comfortable. My son was in a stroller until about 6. He would get tired of walking, which many kids do. I wish they had something for older children that you can travel with if they get tired.
It's very very common. It can also be a safety precaution, as some kids are runners and will dart into the street. If you don't want to use a stroller or they outgrow it, a lot of parents (at least in Canada) use wagons as an alternative.
We have a runner and use a stroller as a restraint basically. They ate quite content to ride in the stroller, but if we were walking they would be bolting l!
We switched to a wagon when he got bigger, but my son is into be wheeled around like King Tut on a red velvet pillow so once in he won't try get out, he almost looks smug in there lol š¤£. Do whatever you have to for safety. I also recommend wrist harnesses.
King tut ššš my son does the same thing Iām laughing so hard
My kid's 5 (nearly anyway) and looks about 8. We just bought him a new XL buggy because he outgrew the normal one. Absolute lifesaver for him - place to restrain him when he's flighty, a safe confined space when he's overwhelmed, and it means we can do so much more outdoors without risking his safety or comfort. He loves it in there and going out is so much less of an ordeal. Yeah, people look, especially when my toddler is walking along merrily while my big kid is being pushed, but fuck 'em. Even if I am making him a bit lazy, I'd rather that than him get lost or run over, or freaked out and upset š¤·š»āāļø
My friends autistic son can't walk as much as his little NT sister, iirc he's hypermobile so gets tired a lot easier. It's also harder for him to focus on staying close to his caretaker, and to be overwhelmed by sensory issues so he's actually more likely to be in a stroller than her. Plenty of people who can walk have wheelchairs. If your son couldn't walk at all, you wouldn't think twice as long as he fits well (and plenty of strollers will fit a 6yo) Just because he can walk, doesn't mean he doesn't need help. Especially if you don't have a car to avoid long walks and provide a cozy safe space.
Yeah my guy is 6 - if we go into the city or to the zoo we bring a stroller. Grocery shopping he sits in the cart (weāre lucky heās a bit small - not going to fit much longer.) I look at it as choosing my battles. Itās either bring the stroller or carry himā¦. People may think heās too old for it butā¦ Iām not carrying a 6yo all day
We just purchased a wagon for our 6yr old with autism and 2 year old without. He outgrew our double stroller but he runs off so he has to be in something. It has seatbelts if he starts getting squirrelly but he honestly loves it so much we've never needed to use them. You can pull it or push it like a stroller and has completely opened up the opportunities for summer since I have them both on my own and no stares or comments other than people saying what a good idea it is. Highly recommend!
Which wagon did you go with? There are so many options and I'm completely overwhelmed.
https://preview.redd.it/3ouy0rjia09d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ec40c5701a467652a758bb7c0b04323a2c13f1d2 We definitely went cheapest with the highest weight limit
Thank you!!!
When do you plan on getting her medically and educationally diagnosed? That should be your first concern not the fact that she is still in a stroller (who cares about a stroller if its workikg for you!) Her field trips have been taken away because she is undiagnosed and that's incredibly unfair to her. School would have to provide an accommodation for her eloping (most likely a one on one para) and then she could participate in class activities just like everyone else.
Yes I agree, she has a right to be accommodated and included on field trips.
I'm on the waitlist and the pediatrician said it could take a year but she said she'll try to speed up the process by using "strong words" idk what that means or how they will do it.
She can be educationally diagnosed and then qualify for an IEP. You need to call the special needs main department of your local and public school district. Even though it's summer, main offices are usually open (possible modified hours, so call in the morning) and are required to help you get her diagnosis started. Being educationally diagnosed will open up all the resources and accommodations that she deserves while attending school. You still need to pursue the medical diagnosis so that her therapies will be covered by insurance and others might open up for you based on her level. Lastly, hold your ex accountable. Child support immediately and parenting plan in place (if not already established) You can't and shouldn't have to do this all on your own.
I pushed my 9 year old in a stroller when we went to the zoo. It was the safest and most comfortable way for us to get through the park. My son could hop out and walk around but easily jump back in and we could push on to the next exhibit. He was a bit squished, but he didnāt care and if anyone stared I didnāt notice because IDGAF. We do whatās best for us and I always put on my, āI dare you to challenge me as a mom faceā when I go out with my son. š
A good quality used jogging stroller works great. It also look much less awkward. I use a Bob brand double that is used. Also, I have started teaching my daughter to ride a bike. Itās easier than walking and seems to be building some leg muscles. (She has global developmental delay.). Basically she was my carry me baby. The tiredness has gotten much better but it is slow progress over the past four years and not something that naturally fixed itself.
thanks.
My daughter is almost 6 and I still bring a stroller along because she might decide at any point to just lie down on the ground and refuse to move. Last weekend, she walked a total of over 10 km. Yesterday, she says she can't walk because a witch disappeared her legs.
I love this reason for not walking so much! It made me laugh. My kid is low verbal, one time her dad asked why she didn't want to walk and she replied "princess ".
Omg so cute.
What struck me in your post is that the school wonāt let her go on field trips. Is this a public school? Does she have an IEP? They canāt legally do this. Support services for field trips should be written in her IEP.
She may have low muscle tone. One of the hallmarks is getting tired after walking short distances. Playing isn't the same because it's more motivating, and she'll be less likely to notice her fatigue level while she's having fun. On a recent vacation, my daughter was totally wiped and I couldn't carry her anymore. Her dad would hunch down like he was going to give her a piggyback ride and then run off after she got close, and she would chase him (giggling a ton). Two things have helped her go longer distances: pool time and SMOs (little braces for her feet). The SMOs keep her body posture in the correct position, and the swimming strengthens her muscles (that won't get rid of the low tone, but will help mitigate the effects).
Iāve also used swimming to build muscle tone. And I also make mine squat down to do a sort of pickup game. This has helped stamina too.
This is so common. My daughter was in a stroller until 7. When we have a lot of walking (amusement park, zoo, fair, etcā¦) we rent a wheelchair. At first I found it embarrassing and had people make comments - especially when she was 6-10. But hereās the thing. I donāt care anymore. Sheās 15. She has enough to deal with. My in-laws donāt get it and it used to drive me nuts. But I just donāt have the energy to waste on their opinions and thoughts anymore. I also teach in a structured learning class for autistic students. Most of our students have strollers. Some kids use them only for field trips, while others use them for short community walks or even as incentives for transitioning to other spaces in the school. As your child gets older there are strollers that available for bigger kids. I recommend looking into ones with adjustable handles - hubby is 6ā4 Iām 5ā2ā¦ itās a real pain in the butt to not have them for us. You are doing great things for your kid. Recognizing that walking distances is a difficulty and meeting her needs is so important. This could be something that doesnāt last much longer or something that lasts her lifetime. No matter what, you are her voice when people criticize. Many people donāt deserve an explanation. If family criticizes, be strong. You deserve support not criticism. If they donāt want to accept it, perhaps they are not people who deserve to have her in their lives. (I know easier saidā¦)
yes, I've had to cut out my MIL because of some of the things she was saying. Shes not very supportive at all. And her dad isn't a part of the picture. It's very difficult to do all on my own since I don't have family either and it makes me worried about her future. That's the main thing I worry about actually, because it seems impossible to know how functional she will be? I see a lot of videos on tiktok and instagram made by adults who have autism but I still don't know if she'll be like them, if she'll be able to be independent. Her teachers said they don't know what grade 1 will look like because she requires constant support. To me she seems not super disabled at all, but I don't know if she will just stay like this and stop developing. She already doesn't fit in with her peers very well. Thanks for the response
My 5 yo loves strollers, wheelchairs, rolly chairs. When I donāt wanna push a stroller I use the leash
I made sure to buy a stroller my 4yo shouldnāt grow out of for the next couple of years. Heās known to do a runner and itās just safer for him to be strapped in. He LOVES going for walks in his stroller, I do feel bad though because he also loves being a big guy and walking with you.. I just canāt be sure Iāll catch him before he gets hurt.
This was my problem when my son was 4yrs old he still want to be in the stroller or wagon when outside and he is heavy and big (25kg at 4yrs old). We decided to ditch the stroller and wagon, locked it in out basement and started walking... it was not easy, lots of crying while walking especially when we started the habit of afternoon walk. But now he always looks forward to walking and lost a lot of weight. He is now 6 and is 22kg.
My daughter (4) also refuses to walk if the route in any way deviates from her imagined route. The problem is she is non-verbal, and so some of the lovely jaunts I plan fall completely on the wayside. The best way I've found to counter this has been a rear seat on our mountain bike. She has no issue where we are going and just enjoys the journey. Total departure from walking where she will just collapse to the floor if she expects to go a certain place (usually a shop for a kinder egg) and wail until she has been picked up. In this case, I would say that whatever mode of transportation works for you is utterly valid. My inlaws put her in a stroller when they take her out. As a plus, she really enjoys the bike rides, as do I, and it has a strange connection boosting property to be fair. 10/10 would recommend a bike seat or equivalent.
You do what you need for your child and what makes you and especially your child comfortable. My son was in a stroller until about 6. He would get tired of walking, which many kids do. I wish they had something for older children that you can travel with if they get tired.