How to Survive a Shopping Trip with Children in Tow
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Last week I decided that we needed to get out of the house — all of us. Normally I go shopping by myself. But, it had been off and on raining, and I, personally, was suffering from cabin fever.
Plus, I had quizzed everyone on the way to church one Sunday about all the clothes they were missing. It had been one of those mornings when everything appeared stained and worn. Needless to say, I had a list that needed to be shopped.
Rather than go on the weekend when everyone else was off shopping, we went early on Friday when the crowds were non-existent. We were back home in time for lunch and to finish schoolwork.
We caused more than a few raised eyebrows in Old Navy as me and my six little ducklings trooped through the store.
Yes, yes, we did.
But, honestly, it really wasn’t that hard. It helps to have older kids, but even if you don’t, here are some things that I do to survive shopping trips with children in tow.
1. Have a list.
And keep it handy! You will have enough to do to keep a smile on your face, don’t try to remember what you need. Write it down.
2. Pack snacks, water, books, and small toys.
This will definitely buy you some time when littles start to get fussy. And a mocha for you wouldn’t hurt, either.
3. Give a kid the timer.
I love the timer on shopping trips. I usually use it when we’re in the Lego aisle, since I want to know that the end is in sight.
Last week I gave it to my oldest and let him set the timer on me. I know, I’m the one in charge.
But at the same time, I don’t want to exasperate my children. Our trip through Old Navy was only ten minutes. I let him time me and the kids knew there was an end. Our venture through Target, however, was 1 1/2 hours.
4. Give them the camera.
Truly, I did. The camera was in my bag, and I figured that was a great opportunity for them to entertain themselves. I am not sure I would have used this trick if the store were crowded, but on a slow day, it worked like a charm.
5. Take lots of deep breaths.
There are moments when your patience is tried. Practice those relaxation techniques you learned in childbirth class. You never knew they were to be used for a lifetime, did you?
6. Give each child a job.
Kids do best with positive occupation. Since I had my list and we were choosing mostly clothing, it made it easy to assign small tasks and choices to each child.
Go find the ___________.
Help me choose the ____________.
7. Be on the alert for benches, particularly near the checkout.
Older children can be sent to the bench with a younger child. This gives their feet a rest and their eyes a new perspective. We do this often to stave off the impatience that is catching while standing in line.
Keep your eye on them, but know that for the moment, it’s quiet where you are, and you can focus on the prices being rung up, the change the checker gives you, redeeming coupons, etc.
8. Smile often.
One day you’ll be one of those little, old ladies smiling at the young mom tearing her hair out. Childhood passes and you will miss it — even those crazy, crazy shopping daze.
This is what works for me. What works for YOU?
I love the idea of the timer!!
Those are great tips! I especially like the idea of the timer and camera. My son is only two, but I’ll try to remember this for when he’s older! Right now snacks and giving him “tasks” usually works, but we have to keep the shopping trip super short.
Love the timer and camera ideas! My son is all about timers right now. He even times himself with his school work!
I have a 7 year old, 20 month old and 5 week old so shopping is always an exciting adventure!! Ha! Ha!
I make 2 copies of my list and he marks off what I get, too or he holds my coupon book and picks out the coupon to go with each item.
For my 20 month old I pack snacks and toys!
I’m so doing the camera thing the next time we go shopping!
Hi, useful tips. It can be hard shopping with children. I was queuing at the supermarket checkout the other day with a friend and both our 2 year olds. They were playing about but weren’t being naughty, however the customer behind us was so rude, I was speechless. It was totally undeserved. Adults often forget that they too were children once.
I have four kids–my oldest is 6–and I take them everywhere with me. In fact, just yesterday we went to the mall, out to lunch and to the grocery store. I think there are a few things that make trips out successful. First, you must have resonable expectations of your child’s attention span. No child wants to be stuck in one place/store for very long so keep your trips short! Second, full bellies are a must! This is where a special snack, like a pretzel from the mall, comes in. Third, a stroller or cart is helpful as their little legs can only walk so much. Lastly, if you enforce consistant behavior on all your trips out of the house and remind your kids of that each and every time you leave the house then eventually it sinks in:)
I wouldn’t say that all my trips out are successful but the successful ones far outweigh the negative ones!
@Megan, I’d say the pretzel at the mall helps the mama, too. 😉
I try to shop alone, just because it’s easier and it means I get a bit of time to myself while I’m there. But when I do shop with kids, I have clipboards for them. One might do his math by weighing, multiplying and estimating a running total, another might write out all the words and practice printing neatly and the 3 year old can check off items on the list when I tell her to “find soy sauce, two words that each start with s.” In addition to making the time fly by for them, it makes me feel a bit better when some look at me sideways for having my school aged children in the grocery store at 10am. (Even though I know I don’t need to justify myself, it does make me feel better to demonstrate that learning can actually happen outside of the classroom.)
We always end up in the toy aisle if the shopping was successful. Even though we aren’t buying, looking around is a fun reward for good ‘in store’ behaviour.
@Trina@JoyandContentment, the clipboards are a great idea! I have one who goes major squirrelly if he doesn’t have a job, so he brought a book to read when he was bored. A clipboard would be a great addition to the Shopping Kit. Thanks!
I love the bit about “Practice those relaxation techniques you learned in childbirth class.” So, so true!
I love taking my three (ages 4, 2 and 5 mos.) to the grocery store with me. As long as we aren’t out TOO long, they love it too!
I have 4 kiddos (3 boys 6,5,2 & 8wk girl). When I go to the grocery store or anywhere – I use two tricks: 1. Everyone has a buddy – you have to hold their hand (if we’re not using the stroller or cart). 2. You need to keep a hand on the cart – no wandering off.
I’ve started to relax the 2nd rule with my older boys – but it was a great way to keep them in check while we’re out an about.
We ALWAYS take all the kids along on shopping trips; it’s part of our Sunday routine. It can be rather chaotic and a tad bit stressful, and there are definitely times I wish I could just go without them, but it does get easier over time. Your tips are all good ones!
@kp, when hubs is along, we are all along. But, I do enjoy going by myself. I can think better and nab some better deals. Still, I did get a great cracker deal — even with six in tow.
So agree with everything. Never thought of the camera though.
Love how you described my little ducklings. That’s what I call my kids when we go out. So cute
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