🌹One Mom, Three Kids: A Day on the Street That Can't Be Beat

March 8th in Serbia is truly magical, the first real day of spring when the warm sun makes everything glow and the streets come alive with people enjoying cafés, parks, and the festive air. 🌹🌹Red roses🌹🌹 are everywhere, carried proudly by women and girls as a symbol of celebration. After a long, busy week working from home (I’ve been doing that for ten years now!), I decided to treat myself and my kids to a special day in the city on the day they had a programming class for Tur only and an experiment class for both Tur and Teo. Today was extra special because it was the first time we tried out our new routine: Tur, my older son, had a programming class, while Teo and Tur were set for experiments, and I wanted to stay in the city with Olivia and try out what it is like to take care of her outside, since usually we are at home during the week due to our busy schedule. I couldn’t wait to see how our day would unfold.

Leaving Home and Splitting Up

We left home together, buzzing with a mix of excitement and a little nervousness about the new schedule. As soon as we stepped out, the plan was set in motion: Tur would head off to his programming class while I took Teo and Olivia to the park. It felt like a small adventure.

At the park, the energy was infectious. Families gathered, laughter filled the air, and I could see how much people in Serbia love these moments of togetherness on a sunny day.

A Treat at the Bakery

There’s something about a bakery on a spring day that feels extra comforting. We stopped to enjoy Serbia’s famous cheese pita, a savory treat that always brings a smile to our faces and even shared a croissant with Livia. I remember how her eyes lit up at the sight of the sweet pastry and the little bird walking around; we sat in the park to eat. These small, shared moments over food remind me that, no matter how hectic life gets, there’s always time for a little indulgence and togetherness.

After our bakery stop, I decided to pick up Tur from his programming class. The city was vibrant, and for a few minutes, it felt like we were rediscovering our neighborhood together.

The Next Step: Experiment Class and a New Routine

With the bakery behind us and a quick walk with Tur, our plans took another turn. I had arranged for both Tur and Teo to attend an experiment class a fun, hands-on session designed to spark creativity and curiosity. It was their first time attending, and I was both excited and a bit anxious about how Teo would handle the new environment, since Tur is perfectly fine with new people and classes. I dropped them off, trusting that the new routine, which we’ve been slowly building up over time, would work.

Leaving Tur and Teo at the experiment class, I set off with Livia. The idea was to search for a cozy café for us while waiting for them to finish their class.

A Cozy Café Break with Livia

Inside the café, I quickly took care of Llivia’s needs: I changed her diaper and then, as I settled into a comfortable corner, I breastfed her. It wasn’t long before she drifted off to sleep in my arms a quiet, precious moment that contrasted beautifully with the busy day. With Livia peacefully asleep, I allowed myself a little indulgence: I savored a slice of rich cheesecake, sipped a warm cup of coffee, and even caught up on some messages online. That short pause, filled with calm and comfort, recharged me for the next part of our adventure.

Reuniting and the Long Walk Home

After my café break, the time had come to bring the family back together. I picked up Tur and Teo from their experiment class, and soon all three were reunited. We continued our day by walking together through the lively city streets as we waited for my husband to pick us up. I held Livia’s hand while Tur and Teo walked ahead, chatting and laughing as they recounted little details about their classes. When my husband is with us, it is easier to walk around with three kids; here, I'm talking about the challenge of four of us walking around.

Despite the long hours on our feet and the challenges of managing three little personalities in the bustling city, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. Every “bravo” and “great job” I offered was a reminder of how much they’d grown. Today was not only a day of fun and adventure, it was a testament to the routines and trust we had built over time.

Reflections on the Journey

Looking back on the day, I can’t help but remember the early days of motherhood. When Tur was a baby, even a simple walk was a struggle. I dreamed of taking him out in a stroller, but he would cry until I held him close. There were days I would sing or try different routes, only to find that nothing worked except carrying him in my arms. Those experiences taught me patience, creativity, and the art of adapting on the fly. There are many times I think that it is good that he was my first when I still had strength for these moments, and it is good that my two other ones are easier or maybe I'm better; we will never know, I guess! :)

I also recall the joy of using an ergo baby carrier back then, it was my secret weapon. Carrying a little one close to your heart makes you feel connected, and it gave me the strength to push on, even when the days were long and tiring. As my children grew older, things changed. Tur, once so demanding in a stroller, became more independent (even if he still needed a little extra care). Teo, who learned to walk early (only at 11 months), started adapting more easily to outings. And now Livia, though too big for the carrier, still brings moments of calm, like when she peacefully sleeps in my arms at the café.

There were also those tricky moments in the supermarket. I remember how chaotic it could be when you’re out with little ones. Over time, I developed a few tricks, like giving Teo a small “job,” such as picking out a new toothbrush which makes him feel grown-up and involved. I learned that when I talk softly to Livia as she sits in her shopping cart, she listens and behaves, which makes the whole experience less stressful.

Today’s adventure was different. With three kids, there are days when every moment feels like a balancing act between chaos and calm. But as they grow, you see progress: they listen more, understand the routines, and even enjoy the structure of our outings. It’s not always easy sometimes my muscles ache from hours of walking but every challenge is worth it for these small victories.

A Message to Fellow Parents

If you’re a parent, or thinking about having a larger family, know that while the days can be exhausting and the logistics challenging, there’s so much beauty in the chaos. Every little success, a well-behaved walk, a quiet moment at a café, or even just a shared pastry at a bakery, adds up to memories that will last a lifetime.

I sometimes think back to the time when I first doubted I could handle it all. I worried about managing three kids, about the long days of sleep deprivation, and about the endless juggling of responsibilities. But today, as I watched Tur, Teo, and Livia go about their day with smiles and cooperation, I knew that every struggle had made me a better, stronger mom. I’ve learned to trust my instincts, to adapt to each child’s unique needs, and to cherish every moment, even the messy ones.

So, here’s my message: trust yourself, celebrate the small victories, and remember that every day out, whether it’s in a bustling park, a quiet café, or a crowded city street, is a chance to build memories and deepen the bond with your children. They are all so unique, each with something wonderful to offer the world. And every day, in their own way, they teach me about patience, love, and the true meaning of family.

Final Thoughts

Today was a success, a day filled with new routines, joyful moments, and a reminder that, even when it’s tough, life with three kids can be beautifully unpredictable. I may be tired, and yes, my muscles are sore after walking for hours, but the joy of seeing my children grow, learn, and share these moments with me is priceless.

Science tells us that these small victories matter. Research on parental self-efficacy and positive reinforcement shows that every well-managed outing and every moment of calm helps build your child's confidence and emotional resilience. The routines we establish, supported by theories like Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development and Bandura’s Social Learning Theory, form the foundation for a secure and happy childhood. Each small success not only nurtures our children but also strengthens our ability as parents, making every step forward a building block for a brighter future.

I’m so grateful to be their mom, and I hope my story brings a little comfort and inspiration to all the parents out there. Whether you’re managing one, two, or three little ones, know that every day is a new adventure, and every memory is worth cherishing.