The idea of shopping for many women (and some men) makes thoughts of sugarplums dance in your head. And with so many avenues to do it — through windows, online, in a catalog, and physically standing in a store — this is undoubtedly the best time of year for it. In fact, the National Retail Federation forecasts holiday sales to be at $630.5 billion this year.
Hold up, I want to change that image in your head from a beautifully-wrapped Christmas gift, to a buggy full of food. OK, this time, I’m talking grocery shopping — yes, perhaps a little less appealing.
Grocery shopping with your children; I’ve now made good thoughts disappear altogether — the sugarplums have left the building — and you’re probably hunkering down, cringing, and trying to crawl underneath the table.
Let’s just say, it’s a subject we don’t typically like to discuss.
Because taking children to the grocery store opens up a big can of worms. These creepy-crawlers can include:
Adding additional costs to your trip. It’s inevitable your children will add a few items to the cart that were not on your list (sometimes even when you’re not looking). I’ve noticed that husbands are very good at this one, too, because they’re even sneakier.
Shopping may turn into an unplanned workout session. Yes, sometimes your dearest darlings will take off — laughing — as you run around the store after them. (Come on, I know I’m not the only one.) But I’ve come to the conclusion my boys are trying to increase their 100-meter dash times. And judging on their speed, they may have a future in track.
Embarassment. When you stand tall, and tell them no, there may be screams and tears. Other times your kids may bring up words, phrases, or actions you have specifically told them not to use in public. Just know, some people will stare; others will give you hostile looks. Ignore these people, and don’t worry about your children, they will be just fine. You can remind them about repercussions for their actions later.
Despite all the risks, sometimes circumstances simply cannot be avoided, and you may end up in a situation where you have a shopping buddy (or — even worse — multiple shopping buddies).
But fear not, brave souls.
While other shoppers may be against us, the stores seem to be for us.
My local Kroger store has seemingly witnessed our agony, and heard our cry for help. The store is now trying to combat our frustrations and fears by supplying tools to make the experience more enjoyable for both children and parents. I was delighted the other day to see not only the buggies with the cars up front (for children to drive — which is fun — but makes for an easy escape route), but the store has also included tiny shopping carts in their supply.
And you know, they actually do help. This is because children need a task — something to keep them occupied. Idle minds make way for imagination and brilliant displays of creativity. While wonderful, this is something we do not need at the grocery store.
So giving your child a job, will make them feel part of the experience, and give them props for being very useful engines. I’m always surprised when I let my children help me, how much they really do want to help.
If only my husband were so enthusiastic about the tasks I give to him.
Just watch out, the carts need student driver signs for sure. My son has run over my ankles on multiple occasions. So watch your step, and check your mirrors.
Shopping with my favorite pal has reminded me that sometimes it takes a little longer to make time for your kids to “help” you. But it’s an important part of growing up.
Everyone needs responsibility, and to feel like they have a purpose. We all need to be needed — even kids.
Sometimes I think to myself, how much I would get done if I could just ship everyone else in the family off for a bit. And I do every now and then get these opportunities. But this is the wrong way to look at it. For no matter how much you do, there is always more to be done.
And, as C.S. Lewis said, “Children are not a distraction from more important work. They are the most important work.”
So the next time your child (or grandchild) asks you if they can help, just say yes. No matter if they make more of a mess, than they do actually helping you.
Spending time with them now is something you won’t be able to get back again. And teaching them responsibility can never come too early.
The buddy system can, and does, work (especially with some added, much-needed improvements). So get out from underneath that table, grab your buddy, and shop till one of you (most likely you) drops. First the grocery store, next stop the mall. Take a deep breath; you’ve got this.
