Stroller for my 8 year old?? I KNOW I KNOW!!

[Minnesota!]

No way, no how. Strollers got the boot at age 4 or so. My youngest son has a condition that makes his legs pretty weak and painful. So, we walked slower, took breaks when he needed to.

I cannot even imagine the horror on my kids face if I suggested strollers to them at these ages (6 and 9).

Tell her to suck it up and all of you take it a little bit more leisurely and you should be good!

 

[JillShari]

I don't know why this is such a dramatic issue!!!!!

To the OP, my 8 year old complains more than my 4 year old and with the average walking in a day at disney to be near 7 miles... I'm up for the double stroller so I don't have to carry either of them! And most likely the 8 year old will be in it more than his younger brother! (my 8 year old did the 5K on Castaway last year and ran 2 miles with me last week... but when his feet hurt, it's hard to rest them enough)

I don't think the strollers are a pain. Last time we went with our oldest alone and we often parked in a central place in the land, explored it by foot and then went back for the stroller for a longer walk.

I'm just excited not to have to carry a diaper bag anymore!!!!!!!!

 

[WantToGoNow]

Not happening for my children. I never even considered a such thing at that age - I don't care how small they are. 8 years old is 8 years old. The choice would have been walking (without whining) or hotel and bed.

 

[karatemom2]

My almost 7 year old is the same way. Hates to walk. I take a stroller because it is better than listening to him complain the whole time. Do what will make your trip more enjoyable.

 

[Aliceacc]

OP, do as you choose. I've been parenting and teaching long enough to find that each kid is an individual-- what's apparently unthinkable for some of the other families who have posted here may be exactly right for your daughter.

How much does your daughter weigh?

I googled "strollers for bigger kids" and found a number of suggestions. But they would depend on her weight and your budget.

Why not go to a local Babies R Us type of store and really look at the options?

Here's what I did the last time I needed a stroller for WDW in 2008: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2145078&highlight=stroller

Amazon has the MacLauren Volo stroller for $130; not sure whether you can find it cheaper elsewhere.

 

[littlelulu33]

Hello 2013 was our first trip without the stroller. My DD is 7 and complains about walking alot too. She is tall for her age and doesn't fit well in a stroller so no stroller for the trip. I thought the same thing we are going to hear complaining and where are we going to put our stuff. So we went to Eddie Bauer and bought each one of us these
http://www.eddiebauer.com/catalog/p...colorId=793&colorId=844&colorId=851&colorId=8
They are super light and my DD was excited to carry around a few little snacks and her rain poncho. Before we left my DH and I thought she would carry it the first day and then decide she didn't want it. She loved having it all trip. DH and I were so surprised. DH and I carried around the autograph clipboard, cameras etc. our ponchos. We also bought a caribeaner for the outside and clipped our refillable mugs to the outside of each bag. They worked great and not once on the 10 day trip did she complain. We even got her a extra gift at the end of the trip for doing so great!!

 

[Svhadden]

You're dang skippy, I'd take a stroller if it meant a more enjoyable, peaceful trip . In fact, I've taken a stroller every year for my son until this past year, when he was 7. And I super-super-super strongly considered taking it this past year, just in case but surprisingly, he did terrific!

Girl, you don't have to give a rip if others criticize your decision about taking a stroller for an older child. You know them best. It's your trip, you pay big bucks for it, so do what you need to do to enjoy it your way.

I bought a very lightweight umbrella stroller by The First Years just for my son, when he transitioned out of the big stroller, and I think I spent around $60 on it. It was super light, folded up quickly for buses, and had a great shoulder strap. We only used it for Disney, and it was worth every penny. My son has never had Energizer Bunny stamina, and we're park commandoes which makes for a very long day. It was great to let him walk when he wanted, but when crowds were heavy after parades etc, he'd climb in so we could plow through without having to worry about him getting lost, distracted, etc.

If someone wanted to give me the stank-eye for having an older kid in a stroller, I'd have happily let them pay for my trip, then they could tell me what to do. Otherwise...shaddup .

 

[davedmaine]

My DD is such a complainer when walking. Even at the mall. I don't want to deal with whining. Thinking something small for her would help. She is very tiny. Does anyone have any suggestions?

I guess it's no worse than all the obese people renting motorized scooters

 

[erddig]

OP, do as you choose. I've been teaching long enough to find that each kid is an individual-- what's apparently unthinkable for some of the other families who have posted here may be exactly right for your daughter.

How much does your daughter weigh?

I googled "strollers for bigger kids" and found a number of suggestions. But they would depend on her weight and your budget.

Why not go to a local Babies R Us type of store and really look at the options?

Here's what I did the last time I needed a stroller for WDW in 2008: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=2145078&highlight=stroller

Amazon has the MacLauren Volo stroller for $130; not sure whether you can find it cheaper elsewhere.

Great post, do what is best for your family, simple as that.

We have had every combination of situations: older kids that needed a stroller, younger kids that wouldn't stay in a stroller, family that would NOT put their kids in strollers (ended up renting a stroller), arguments with DH about taking a stroller, and now I occasionally miss having a stroller (I work hard at traveling light in the parks). It's all ok, what's important is to have a happy time for everyone- tired whiny kids are not happy!

Sent from my iPad using DISBoards

 

[kandb]

What kind of mother would call her children "rotten"? My comment to her is, "you raised them". To the OP, if you think your trip will be more enjoyable with taking the stroller and will help your daughter out, by all means take one. My 8 year olds, used to jump in my younger sons stroller when then got tired. We had no problem with it at all. Have fun!

 

[Lolsmum]

What kind of mother would call her children "rotten"? My comment to her is, "you raised them". To the OP, if you think your trip will be more enjoyable with taking the stroller and will help your daughter out, by all means take one. My 8 year olds, used to jump in my younger sons stroller when then got tired. We had no problem with it at all. Have fun!

If mine were behaving in a rotten way, I'd call them on it, perhaps even using the term. Yes, I've raised them so far, with their father's help, but I'm far from their only influence and I admit they are far from perfect. I love them dearly and wouldn't trade them, but I'm also able to see when they are not behaving well.

 

[AmyBWV99]

Take it look for a Mac some go to 65lbs. My nearly 9 year old will pop into our Bob Duallie occasionally (he has low tone on his right side) and on our last trip over Xmas & New Years he fell asleep in there a couple times. We are ANTI commando peeps and he still was spent. To the dude who thought that looked like a 'baby' you need to grow up. Seriously do not get why people get so bent over someone else pushing their own child in a stroller.

 

[SEA333]

Wow, so these kids are in top physical condition, can practice multiple hours a day, multiple days a week, never get tired, could go out and complete a triathlon tomorrow. But they need a stroller at Disney.

So I would guess either it's, A, the kids' behavior needs to be brought up to speed so they're not whining. They need to be taught that whining doesn't mean they always get their way. They wouldn't do it if it wasn't productive for them.

Or, B, mom and dad need to rethink their touring style so it's more in line with what the kids are capable of. Maybe if you're trying to do 14 hour days, every day because YOU want to see something else, it's time to take a cue from your kids. Nothing wrong with slowing down and taking it at their pace so everyone gets to enjoy their vacation. If they're tired-----rest! Amazing concept, I know, but it works.

A stroller isn't the only solution.

1. My DS7 is ALWAYS tired after football practice. Who wouldn't be??!!
2. He doesn't need a stroller at DW....but if I felt he did, at least I would know that it *ISN'T* because he is out of shape or unhealthy.
3. A triathalon....hmmm. He's not such a great swimmer - yet. He may need a few more swimming lessons. We've focused on tackle football since he was in Kindergarten. SO, it may be a while before the triathalon. Thanks for the suggestion, though.
4. My kids had to cook dinner by themselves the day after they walked into the kitchen whining about what I cooked. Whining doesn't work in my house. EVER.
5. Speaking of whining, DS has had to keep up with his much taller, older siblings and parents since birth. Since I pay attention, I knew he was exhausted when he fell asleep at the table at Boma....when he fell asleep on every bus...when he didn't want to wake up in the morning. When he said that he would rather stay at the pool than go to MK on the last day. Kids don't have to be whiny for parents to know they are tired.
6. DH and I agreed that every other day at a park means a longer trip, but would be much more enjoyable for little legs. That's about the only thing I think your post is worth.
7. I don't know you in real life, but just from your words, you remind me exactly of my old next door neighbor.
8. Thank God I moved out of state.

HAVE A GREAT DAYYYYY!!!!!!!!

 

[I loveStitchnippyjon]

Honestly, if I anticipated my 8-yo whining and complaining that much, they would not be going to WDW! I would tell them that the trip is postponed until they are able to handle the walking. OK, flame away!

 

[mandy14]

I agree with a previous poster about the motorized scooters being just as bad if not worse. We were staying at a resort with a VERY large adult that road a scooter every day. We had to wait for them to load and unload off the bus. And, it was all because he is overweight. AND, he was an adult. I have far more opinions about adults needing "strollers".
That being said, each kid is different, each family is different. If it makes your trip more comfortable then do it. You might find that you don't need a stroller or you might find that your child has a great time having a place to sit while you get to see all you want to see.
And yes, you raised this child but we have come to discover that there are some traits in children that are definitely nature and not nurture--should we punish everyone in the family by having to listen to it? Nope.

 

[mom2AidanAndEli]

1. My DS7 is ALWAYS tired after football practice. Who wouldn't be??!!
2. He doesn't need a stroller at DW....but if I felt he did, at least I would know that it *ISN'T* because he is out of shape or unhealthy.
3. A triathalon....hmmm. He's not such a great swimmer - yet. He may need a few more swimming lessons. We've focused on tackle football since he was in Kindergarten. SO, it may be a while before the triathalon. Thanks for the suggestion, though.
4. My kids had to cook dinner by themselves the day after they walked into the kitchen whining about what I cooked. Whining doesn't work in my house. EVER.
5. Speaking of whining, DS has had to keep up with his much taller, older siblings and parents since birth. Since I pay attention, I knew he was exhausted when he fell asleep at the table at Boma....when he fell asleep on every bus...when he didn't want to wake up in the morning. When he said that he would rather stay at the pool than go to MK on the last day. Kids don't have to be whiny for parents to know they are tired.
6. DH and I agreed that every other day at a park means a longer trip, but would be much more enjoyable for little legs. That's about the only thing I think your post is worth.
7. I don't know you in real life, but just from your words, you remind me exactly of my old next door neighbor.
8. Thank God I moved out of state.

HAVE A GREAT DAYYYYY!!!!!!!!

My original points were totally missed...and maybe your neighbor totally agrees with #8. But you have a good day too!

 

[maxiesmom]

I agree with a previous poster about the motorized scooters being just as bad if not worse. We were staying at a resort with a VERY large adult that road a scooter every day. We had to wait for them to load and unload off the bus. And, it was all because he is overweight. AND, he was an adult.:

I'm glad you knew the person and knew their medical diagnosis.

I guess I'd rather have a child in a stroller, or be an adult on a scooter, than someone who makes snap judgements about people they don't know.

 

[AmyBWV99]

I'm glad I never run into these folks when we are there......even tho DS #1 looks 'typical' he has a brain injury. So we could rent a wheel chair and push it empty 90% of the time or allow him to ride and risk Judgey McFootball player-son give us the stink eye because he doesn't look crippled enough to warrant at ride.

Take the stroller and apparently a tough skin because it'll ruin these peoples trips to see her in it

 

[okeydokey]

Honestly, if I anticipated my 8-yo whining and complaining that much, they would not be going to WDW! I would tell them that the trip is postponed until they are able to handle the walking. OK, flame away!

No flames from me. I can't imagine putting my third and fourth graders in a stroller to avoid hearing them whine and complain all day. If they are going to act like toddlers they can go home for nap time.

 

[SEA333]

I'm glad I never run into these folks when we are there......even tho DS #1 looks 'typical' he has a brain injury. So we could rent a wheel chair and push it empty 90% of the time or allow him to ride and risk Judgey McFootball player-son give us the stink eye because he doesn't look crippled enough to warrant at ride.

Take the stroller and apparently a tough skin because it'll ruin these peoples trips to see her in it ��

If you are talking about me, perhaps you misunderstood...I am in FAVOR of parents using whatever they need for their kids. You should read my first post. My 2nd was a direct sarcastic response to someone who was being very sarcastically mean to not only me, but the to OP, whom I was defending.

I'm sorry to hear about your son...my own son gets really bad leg cramps that render him unable to walk sometimes, which is why we rented a stroller when he was 6, and why I am compassionate to people who want to rent one for their kids no matter what the age.