The secret haven for moms to relax while taking the kids to play in the afternoon!

To be honest, Mama Mee rarely goes out alone and leaves both kids with her parents. First, because her own parents are older and not in the best of health, she doesn’t want to be a burden to them. It’s okay if she only takes one child, but taking both at once really worries her they might not be able to handle it. The second reason is that she finds it hard to let go—when she’s out alone, she’s always worried about the kids and rushes back home as soon as she’s done with her errands. “Separation anxiety” doesn’t happen to the kids, it usually happens to Mama Mee herself. Really, such a weak mom ^^

There’s no better place to tire the kids out than the park, but if it’s just mommy taking two little ones alone, safety becomes a major concern.

One day, Mama Mee was taking the twins for a walk near their home. When they passed by McDonald’s, she suddenly remembered that McDonald’s has a kids’ play area. After ordering some food, she happily took the twins to the play area. Once they’d taken off their shoes and settled in, they couldn’t wait to rush to the slide to play, while Mama Mee just had to find a seat nearby where she could keep an eye on them and enjoy her snack.

Usually, Mama Mee and the twins stay at home. After all, it’s quite inconvenient for a mom to take two preschool-aged kids out alone. At most, she walks around the neighborhood, chats with neighbors, or occasionally takes them to the park. But when D started running and jumping around, Mama Mee felt taking them to the park became unsafe—because the two kids wouldn’t stay on the same play equipment or in the same small area. Usually, one would run off to the right, the other to the left, and Mama Mee couldn’t watch both at the same time. Add to that the frequent reports of child abductions, and she worried about losing the kids due to her own negligence. So unless Papa Mee or someone else is around, they don’t go to the park.

Suddenly, Mama Mee felt this was truly a great place to spend time with the kids—they could freely burn off energy, and she could relax a bit without having to exhaust herself keeping up with them. On weekends, there might even be events hosted by the store. She remembers one time when a McDonald’s staff member was reading stories to the kids and teaching them crafts. That’s when she found out McDonald’s hosts family-friendly activities every weekend. Her usually shy son, Mee, seeing him playing with others, truly moved her as a mother!! For moms bringing kids along, on a hot afternoon, this place is simply heaven!!

Sometimes, when bringing the kids to McDonald’s to play, moms can also pick up a magazine from the rack to pass the time. While the kids are playing, parents interested in reading can enjoy a good book. I think this is a great idea even for regular readers. Before marriage, reading might happen in a café, but after having kids, McDonald’s is a wonderful alternative—the kids have a safe space to play, and moms can relax and enjoy the afternoon. It’s really great!! If you’re like Mama Mee, with your husband at work and you staying home with the kids, often thinking about where to take them for an afternoon outing, considering safety or weather issues, McDonald’s is a great choice. You might even get to chat with other moms, sharing daily life stories, which can really lift your mood!!

Oh, and that day the McDonald’s staff told us some great news: