Comments on: Grocery Shopping With Kids: A Dad’s Perspective

By: The Happy Housewife

The Happy Housewife — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:45:42 +0000

leave them at home….
okay, only kidding, actually shopping with three is easier for me, because I could shop with six . I resort to bribery and give them all a lollipop to suck on while they are at the store. If I can finish shopping before they are done my trip goes pretty well.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:21:11 +0000

Karen, that is a great tip! I am going to try this. Yes it would take some time, but you only have to do it once, then leave the cards in the glove box. My kids would totally dig this. Thanks for stopping by and leaving the excellent suggestion!

By: Karen

Karen — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 02:21:15 +0000

When my kids were younger and I did not have a choice but to take them, I did some prep work earlier. I cut out pics of all kinds of food I would normally need to buy and glued them to index cards. Pics came from women’s magazines/coupons and would be things like max & cheese boxes, fruits, veggies, milk, etc. I would give them the cards in each aisle and they would have to be on the lookout for the items. This game kept them happy most of the time from the toddler stage to early elementary school (when I switched to just words for reading practice).

As for the baby, always a challenge. If you can deal with the occasional “lollipop only if you sit in the cart” bribe you may be able to make it through the store.

By: JHS

JHS — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 06:08:14 +0000

Thanks for contributing this post to this week's Carnival of Family Life, hosted at Intensive Care for the Nurturer's Soul! The Carnival will be live on March 31, 2008, so make sure you stop by and check out all of the other wonderful posts included in this week's edition!

By: Kyle

Kyle — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 14:48:07 +0000

@ Jennifer, I agree!!! And since this was my first time with all 3, I typically do, or I watch some or all of them when my wife goes to the gorcery store.

@ Mike, your mindset of taking your time and making it somewhat enjoyable is a good one.

@ Northern Cheapskate, I like your idea with the keys. I never thought of that. Also the stores that ahve the racing cart shopping carts always make it more fun for the kids. Would also play into your “race” idea!

@ Bargain Shopper Lady, oh yeah, if I had coupons, there would have been no way I could do it. Good call on the farmers market too.

By: The Bargain Shopper Lady

The Bargain Shopper Lady — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 13:04:02 +0000

That is impressive! I leave the kids at home too, especially if using coupons. My rule is if I have to bring a kids, I bring one max. If I have both kids I will only go to the farmers market. They love that store!

By: Northern Cheapskate

Northern Cheapskate — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 02:47:02 +0000

If I have bargain hunting to do, I try to leave my three little ones at home…

Otherwise, go with a very specific list, and have that list organized by aisle.

I also learned that putting your keys on a lanyard can entertain babies for a little longer than a watch (been there, done that!)

I have friends of mine who also make shopping a “race” to see if they can beat their best time in the store. This reduces whine time.

Great post!
~Christina

By: Four Pillars

Four Pillars — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 02:21:22 +0000

Jennifer took my tip!!

Seriously, I like taking my son to the store since it gives us something to do.

I don’t have any tips other than to say that I try to adopt the mindset that it’s something we can do together so plan accordingly (ie don’t try to complete the shopping in the normal time). Leaving them at home is much more efficient but it’s not as fun for the kids.

We’ll see if my attitude changes after our second kid is born!

Mike

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 01:10:13 +0000

My tip-leave them home. Ha ha ha. I know it’s not always possible. Great tips Kyle.

By: Kyle

Kyle — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 21:59:54 +0000

Awwww, now I know why you are such a big fan of Walmart, it all makes sense now.

btw, BIG TIME congrats on your new addition!

By: Aaron Stroud

Aaron Stroud — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 21:51:06 +0000

Kyle, my 16 month old loves our trips to Wal-mart. She’s found their huge store fascinating since she was old enough to study her surroundings. However, keeping her content in her seat takes some work these days. I can’t imagine how difficult three kids would be.

Now that we have a three week old, I think I’ll stick to shopping when my wife is home. Two carts w/ kids is a lot more work than pushing one around.