How do you survive a shopping kids with 2+ kids. My kids (ages 2 and 4) are horrible when I take the two of them shopping. I truly try to avoid going with the both of them, but sometimes it is my only option.
My four are now all in school, and I can go then, but when they were younger I would always bring them in the morning. It seemed to make shopping a little easier when there wasn't that many people in the store. Also, I always tried to take them when they had full tummys. (And me as well, it helps to have all of your patience, and when I am hungry I can get cranky) I never went near lunch or nap time. Simple ideas, but shopping with toddlers is what it is, and any little thing you can do to make it easier is worth it.
I completely agree with everything she said. I've learned to never go at mealtime or afternoons (even though 3 of mine don't nap now). Often times we'll stop by the toy section first, grab a toy and let them hold it as we walk through the store. When we leave they have to give it back to the cashier.
It takes a great deal longer but I let my 4 yr old help me shop. Sometimes I'll cut out pictures of the items I need but most of the time I just tell him what I'm looking for and sorta make it a game to see who finds it first on the shelf and then he gets to put it in the cart for me.
I've learned to map out my list according to the store. So instead of spending 4 hrs going back and forth through out the store I can work my way from front to back, non-refrigerated to refrigerated and out. It keeps us moving in a constructive way rather than roaming lost looking.
I do try to pack a snack and drink, just in case. I almost NEVER do large shopping trips with all 5 - that's just insane lol I only take them all on short "quick" trips. But while the older 2 were in school I did make some grocery trips with the other 3 and it wasn't too bad.
For me the key is to go right after breakfast (or when I drop the others off at school), be prepared and organized and make sure there is a way for them to be involved.
Sarah ~ mother of 5, blessed wife of 9 years
A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. ~Tenneva Jordan
Comments
My four are now all in school, and I can go then, but when they were younger I would always bring them in the morning. It seemed to make shopping a little easier when there wasn't that many people in the store. Also, I always tried to take them when they had full tummys. (And me as well, it helps to have all of your patience, and when I am hungry I can get cranky) I never went near lunch or nap time. Simple ideas, but shopping with toddlers is what it is, and any little thing you can do to make it easier is worth it.
I completely agree with everything she said. I've learned to never go at mealtime or afternoons (even though 3 of mine don't nap now). Often times we'll stop by the toy section first, grab a toy and let them hold it as we walk through the store. When we leave they have to give it back to the cashier.
It takes a great deal longer but I let my 4 yr old help me shop. Sometimes I'll cut out pictures of the items I need but most of the time I just tell him what I'm looking for and sorta make it a game to see who finds it first on the shelf and then he gets to put it in the cart for me.
I've learned to map out my list according to the store. So instead of spending 4 hrs going back and forth through out the store I can work my way from front to back, non-refrigerated to refrigerated and out. It keeps us moving in a constructive way rather than roaming lost looking.
I do try to pack a snack and drink, just in case. I almost NEVER do large shopping trips with all 5 - that's just insane lol I only take them all on short "quick" trips. But while the older 2 were in school I did make some grocery trips with the other 3 and it wasn't too bad.
For me the key is to go right after breakfast (or when I drop the others off at school), be prepared and organized and make sure there is a way for them to be involved.
Sarah ~ mother of 5, blessed wife of 9 years
A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie for five people, promptly announces she never did care for pie. ~Tenneva Jordan