Mom-Friendly Businesses & Attractions: They're Important

Before I had kids, I heard moms talk about how difficult it was to get out of the house with little ones. I thought they must be crazy. I had worked as a nanny and managed to get everyone out the door on time. I guess I was over-confident, because once I had the kids of my own (and the accompanying sleep deprivation), I heard myself saying over and over "it's easier to just stay home."

In my three years of mothering, I've learned that there are some places that are more mom-friendly than others. And if I get up the guts to leave my house with my little people in tow, you can bet you'll find me at one of those places.

What makes up a mom-friendly space? It really doesn't have to be much. A free sample from the bakery at Target goes a long way in keeping the peace while shopping. A place to change a diaper saves everyone from a potentially terrible experience. A chair to sit in while nursing a baby, if (like me) you aren't always talented enough to nurse a child in a baby carrier. Since I've been nursing for over three years now, that one is especially important.

My kids love adventures, and I love seeing the world through their eyes. But Lincoln is a very spirited child, which translates into a lot of time spent chasing after him in stores and parking lots and parks. He's learning that he has to stay with me, but it's a slow process for sure. So for now, we're sticking to locations that I know well.

One of the best spots we've recently found is the Mom Room at the Kansas City Zoo (in the new Penguin Plaza building). It features a little cushioned bench, toys secured to the walls, board books, plush toys, and a lock on the door. Places like this are ideal for an adventuring mom and family. Being able to change diapers without worrying that someone will run away is awesome.

I have no issue nursing in public anymore - I don't even carry a cover with me, because I know Addie won't tolerate being closed in to nurse. That doesn't mean, however, that I'm not still a very modest person. I don't appreciate nursing sessions when she is distracted - which is most of the time - because she doesn't mind if passersby get an eyeful. A little private space like this one (or the one we found in Branson) is perfect - whether for nursing or bottle-feeding moms, or to soothe a cranky child to sleep, or just take a break from an overwhelming adventure.

I am so appreciative of the businesses that specifically think of moms when planning their shop or attraction designs. Happy moms equal happy kids, and that leads to a higher rate of happy adventurers in everyday life!

What's your favorite "mom-friendly" place to visit?

Local Restaurant Spotlight: Up Dog in Independence, Missouri

This post is by my hubby, Andrew. He's written for my blog before - this Dad Confessions post is pretty awesome. I would like to throw in a disclaimer that I am really not a hot dog fan. By that, I mean, I can't remember the last time I ate one. But he insists that this local restaurant is a-ma-zing, so who knows? Maybe I'll give it a try sometime soon?

I love eating out, but that’s no secret. I enjoy chain restaurants like Subway, Taco Bell, Panera Bread, and Pizza Hut. I also try to find places that are unique, and one such restaurant I’ve found is Up Dog.

Up Dog, located on the historic Independence Square, boasts a wide selection of specialty hot dogs. When you first enter the restaurant you are transported into a 1950s-style diner with red vinyl booths and bar stools. The employees greet you in their white shirts and bow ties. Then you get to ponder whether to order one of their eleven specialty dogs or to create your own dog.

My personal favorite of Up Dog’s selection is the Bacon Chili Cheese Dog, which is exactly what it sounds like. I like it because I don’t have to special order it; being such a picky eater, I am not used to such a luxury. Other dogs you can order include the Chicago Dog (pickle, tomato, relish, diced onions, sport peppers, mustard, celery salt, poppy seed bun), the Top Dog (bacon, queso fresco, sautéed onions, tomatoes, mayonnaise, mustard, sour cream, red pepper sauce, avocado sauce), and the Missouri Dog (pickle, bacon, cheddar cheese, mustard).

I go to Up Dog regularly. Then I told my officemate about Up Dog. She wouldn’t go regardless of how much I urged her. So I took her there myself, and now she’s also a regular. Recently, I also took another group from work there for lunch, and they loved it. 

Another fun feature of Up Dog is their monthly dog. I’ve never tried one, but am always interested in seeing what kind of dogs they come up with. January’s dog was a breakfast dog (Hash-browns with red onions, bacon, fried egg, and cheddar cheese on a Klement Link all tucked in a 100% maple syrup dressed bun). The February dog is one that I may not eat, but I'm sure some people would like it - it's called the Veggie Verde (vegetarian link, veggie bacon, cucumber, cilantro, queso fresco and class house made avocado sauce).

Basically, I wrote all of that to say… go to Up Dog! Also, like them on Facebook.