On shopping
The kids and I have become the designated "runners" for stocking our shop. Anything that we don't have delivered to us, the kids and I, we deliver....some days we deliver better than others because let's just face it, shopping with children is just kind of , a LOT of, DIFFICULT, especially when we're filling large carts, frequently flat bed carts, full of goodies like oreos and marhsmallows and m&ms...none of which are for them. Fun. Fun. Fun. But we're getting better at surviving these trips as we've been covering our little route at least a couple of times a week over the last months. Here are a few things that I have learned make a BIG difference for having a positive experience in what potentially can be/has been/we'll surely still have our days...a disaster!
1. Show NO sign of fear! Kids sense it. They will live up to your expectations of them and surely give you something to be afraid of. Think happy thoughts..."this will be fun; what an adventure; kids, aren't you so excited?!" :)
2. Parking. My prime parking spot has become the one way in the far, far corner...the one no one else wants. The only condition is that it has to be close to a place where shopping carts are kept. Here's why this works for me. Far away means I have plenty of time to unload and load the kids and items purchased without being in the way of other drivers, because really, who would want my spot? Also, it gives me no good reason ever to purchase a minivan. Our doors can swing nice and wide with no concern of ever hitting other cars. Being close to the carts is great because the kids go from being strapped in their carseats to being strapped in a cart without ever realizing they've missed an opportunity to run wild. Plus...I never have to feel guilty about not returning my shopping cart to its proper place when I'm through with it because I can do that without leaving my kids unattended. Plus, PLUS... a long walk to the store gives the kids and I plenty of time for a "pep talk" before all the fun begins.
3. Make sure everyone has been fed (this includes yourself!) I know how it is going grocery shopping for food when I am hungry...I get very anxious and want everything in sight. Same thing goes for the kids. When they have full tummies there is a lot less whining going on for whatever is piling up in the cart. Let's just say we've had our fair share of Costco hot dogs!
4. Turn the trip into a game. One of Russell's favorites was playing "eye spy" the....whatever may be on the shopping list that day. He's gotten pretty familiar with our route, though, and can "spy" the paper towels a little too quickly to keep him occupied. Something that has been working lately is as we go down the aisles we try to find how many things we can find that start with a particular letter. Or some days, just simply making him my "big helper" is enough for him...but I always have to have a couple of tricks in mind if distracting him becomes necessary.
5. Always keep a baby carrier handy. This is a NOTE to SELF. Rylee is getting a bit big for our Bjorn, but some days this is just our only option...especially with those flat bed carts. I really do need to get a picture of us so I have some of this craziness (I mean "FUNness!"...remember NO FEAR!" ) documented.
6. You're going to have stares. There will be good stares and bad stares. Smile regardless. If you're already smiling it is that much easier to break out into a laugh...and believe me....there have been many errand days where laughing is the only thing that gets us through.
7. And, finally...lucky number seven 'cause I'll take all the luck I can get...When all is said and done, the only person you can control is yourself. Yes, how our young children are behaving is a direct reflection on us and we can certainly do things to help channel their behavior...but sometimes, a disaster is just going to happen. Kids screaming/crying/whining...they are being kids. But a mom screaming is never a good idea. When you lose it....all hope is lost.
Disclaimer: This list has been generated as a result of shopping with only two children. If you are shopping with any more than two children, may Heaven help you! And please, PLEASE do tell what works for you.
1. Show NO sign of fear! Kids sense it. They will live up to your expectations of them and surely give you something to be afraid of. Think happy thoughts..."this will be fun; what an adventure; kids, aren't you so excited?!" :)
2. Parking. My prime parking spot has become the one way in the far, far corner...the one no one else wants. The only condition is that it has to be close to a place where shopping carts are kept. Here's why this works for me. Far away means I have plenty of time to unload and load the kids and items purchased without being in the way of other drivers, because really, who would want my spot? Also, it gives me no good reason ever to purchase a minivan. Our doors can swing nice and wide with no concern of ever hitting other cars. Being close to the carts is great because the kids go from being strapped in their carseats to being strapped in a cart without ever realizing they've missed an opportunity to run wild. Plus...I never have to feel guilty about not returning my shopping cart to its proper place when I'm through with it because I can do that without leaving my kids unattended. Plus, PLUS... a long walk to the store gives the kids and I plenty of time for a "pep talk" before all the fun begins.
3. Make sure everyone has been fed (this includes yourself!) I know how it is going grocery shopping for food when I am hungry...I get very anxious and want everything in sight. Same thing goes for the kids. When they have full tummies there is a lot less whining going on for whatever is piling up in the cart. Let's just say we've had our fair share of Costco hot dogs!
4. Turn the trip into a game. One of Russell's favorites was playing "eye spy" the....whatever may be on the shopping list that day. He's gotten pretty familiar with our route, though, and can "spy" the paper towels a little too quickly to keep him occupied. Something that has been working lately is as we go down the aisles we try to find how many things we can find that start with a particular letter. Or some days, just simply making him my "big helper" is enough for him...but I always have to have a couple of tricks in mind if distracting him becomes necessary.
5. Always keep a baby carrier handy. This is a NOTE to SELF. Rylee is getting a bit big for our Bjorn, but some days this is just our only option...especially with those flat bed carts. I really do need to get a picture of us so I have some of this craziness (I mean "FUNness!"...remember NO FEAR!" ) documented.
6. You're going to have stares. There will be good stares and bad stares. Smile regardless. If you're already smiling it is that much easier to break out into a laugh...and believe me....there have been many errand days where laughing is the only thing that gets us through.
7. And, finally...lucky number seven 'cause I'll take all the luck I can get...When all is said and done, the only person you can control is yourself. Yes, how our young children are behaving is a direct reflection on us and we can certainly do things to help channel their behavior...but sometimes, a disaster is just going to happen. Kids screaming/crying/whining...they are being kids. But a mom screaming is never a good idea. When you lose it....all hope is lost.
Disclaimer: This list has been generated as a result of shopping with only two children. If you are shopping with any more than two children, may Heaven help you! And please, PLEASE do tell what works for you.
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