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?
Your pictures were so adorable of your children and your tips were great too – our “baby” is now 20 (going on 30) and we wish he were that little to take to the grocery store and elsewhere again! We miss those days so! Good luck to you as you trek out again soon!
Thanks for that reminder that time is passing by. Sigh…. 😉
I call my mother in law, mother or worst-case scenario, my dad. I don’t mind short runs but an all out day of errands, I think I’d have to feed my children to the lions! I love them dearly but we are NOT good shopping buddies!
One time, I NEEDED to go to IKEA because that was the ONLY place we were going to find shelving for one area in our home that was affordable and looked decent. We even ATE before coming into the store. We were in the store all of about 20 minutes and I’d had enough… even though it was a 40 minute drive just to get there… I was done and fed up and we just had to leave. I felt guilty asking my husband to watch after them and I didn’t want to bite their heads off… and feel guilty myself. So I just said, we’re done. We left. They actually both apologized without being prompted by anyone because they realized their behavior was less than stellar. I decided if it was just for casual trips — no problem but NEVER AGAIN was I going to do that unless I wanted to wind up in a padded cell. 🙂 ha ha!
Love the timer idea!
I only have one child so far, but she knows that if she uses bad behaviour in the store, we will leave IMMEDIATELY. She knows it’s not an idle threat! We’ve had to leave a store on many occasions without purchasing our items, but at 3 years old, she knows the rules now, and is usually great in stores, even when she’s tired of me taking too long!
I’ve found snacks (in snacking friendly stores) to be a great distraction for the kids.
I did my first trip out with three kids yesterday (had a friend’s son with me) and it wasn’t as bad as I thought it might be. I think the worst part of shopping/errands days is the in-and-out at every store.
@Ashley, Agreed. I can think of more than one occassion where the thought of taking out a toddler and putting him back in the car wasn’t worth the hassle.
Like all the other commenters, I really appreciate these great suggestions. I especially like the part about not wanting to exasperate your children……I’m sure you know that’s straight out of Scripture, and it’s a command! And it’s something My Wonderful Husband and I are committed to making sure we don’t do, either.
It can be stressful, but shopping with kiddoes is necessary a lot of the time for me. Since Wal-Mart is 30 miles away, it usually ends up being a 3-5 hour trip so I have to pack diapers, clothes, snacks or a meal, water, blankies, etc.
Since my daughter is now 5 and follows directions carefully, one thing I can get away with in a small town in leaving the kids in the car. I can see them from the store in many of our local shops and so I leave her in charge or just take the baby and leave them in their carseats and run and mail some letters or a package. So much easier! I don’t let them eat snacks when I’m gone and they know better than to get out of their seatbelts. They often sing songs, play puppets, or play the quiet game and they sometimes get a piece of candy at home if they were really good. But I bet you could never do this in CA.
I live in Wyoming.
Those are truly all great tips! I will definitely give some a try…my lil ones are at the age of fighting over anything….so usually I bring some snacks and then we play games while we shop….”Look for something yellow” … when all else fails, I pull out the lollipops 😛
I just have 2 ducklings although it sometimes feels like more as my youngest, who is age 3 is a handful. When I grocery shop with my son, age 6, I keep him engaged by putting him in charge of the list (I have to print it so he can read it). And he gets to pick out a special item from the produce section. A great way to get him to try new fruits and veggies.
Fantastic tips!! Some I do..some I don’t…but I will now! Especially the timer and the camera. That’s fabulous.
i cant wait until my little guy is old enough to help me shop! right now he just sits in his stroller and stares at the lights on the ceiling. 😛
@cassie, Let a balloon float into my son’s line of vision and he’s golden. Well, until a very nice person tries to give it to him and I say “No thanks.” Then the beast comes out in him.