Don’t let those sweet smiles deceive you. The second we step into Publix, and wheel over to the bakery, my children become possessed. It’s usually the littlest that starts the hair pulling, tackling, and other screaming contests. Strangers give me backward glances, and other moms steal knowing looks, smirks, and little head shakes as I shamefully rush by. I usually leave the store white knuckling the grocery cart, gritting my teeth, and in desperate need of a drink. This has become my personal hell.
Yes I know I should leave them at home with their dad. But hello, he’s on the road again. And this past Saturday morning we were out of food. No waffles (cue the whining). No bananas and cheerios (cue the crying). And no Stonyfield smoothies (cue the ear piercing, top of the lungs screaming). No clue how I let this happen this week…but at 8:30 am we were at Publix, and no amount of free cookies would appease the tired, cranky, hungry toddlers.
So in my quest for semi-peaceful shopping trips, I’ve decided to come up with a plan on how to survive my next visit to the supermarket. Hoping this will help keep my girls occupied, and me free from pulling out my hair!
SUPERMARKET SURVIVAL STRATEGY
1. Cookies at the End of the Shopping Trip. Oh yeah, things are gonna get real tomorrow. I normally head straight to the bakery and get them their free cookie. It’s like Pavlov, the second we walk into the store my 2 year old starts yelling “cookie, Cookie, COOKIE!!!” This usually keeps the girls happy for about 10 minutes. Then the sugar kicks in and the fun ends. For me anyways. So from here until eternity, the cookie will become a reward for the end of shopping, if they both behave.
2. I Spy. I never really tried this at the store, only in the car. But this should help for a few aisles…right?
3. Bingo & Scavenger Hunt. My new friend and awesome printable creator Sarah from Play 2 Learn with Sarah made these cute bingo cards and sheets for a scavenger hunt. Cute huh? You can download them for free on her site…oh and she has tons of other great printables. I literally go to her blog on a bi-weekly basis looking for things to do with my toddler. Thanks Sarah! I can’t wait to try this out and see if it holds their attention.
4. Let Them Help! Our friend Kristen, occupational therapist extraordinaire, recommends giving older children that can read a list and let them help you shop. I waver on letting the rugrats actually get out of the cart, but my 5 year old is awesome at picking produce, counting it, and putting it in the bags. She really is a big help, especially with unloading the cart at checkout. But my 2 year old (aka tasmanian devil) is hard to keep track of. This one is a TBD for the Hewitts.
I’m hoping a few of these ideas will help contain my spirited children on the next shopping trip. If all else fails, I’m petitioning Publix to bring back Publix direct. Remember when they delivered groceries? Genius. Or maybe they could offer free grown up libations to the parents in the store. Free bottle of wine per kid sounds good to me. Or maybe even build a play place like IKEA?
What’s your top tip for keeping kids happy, and mommy sane at the supermarket?
I need to go to the store too…we’re out of diapers! I guess I’ll get a chance to try out my scavenger hunt today! Thanks for including it here! Great ideas to keep them from killing each other in the cart!
This is so cute! What a clever idea for a post. It would have never occurred to me! My husband started the dreaded “letting my 2 year old walk” thing.. Ugh… So there’s no cart EVER. She pushes a little teeny cart and gets in everyone’s way.
:/
Maybe I can do this with number two?! 😉
Try putting her back in with some games…she may surprise you!
How cute!! I soooooo like this idea 🙂
I love that bingo game idea! I also save the cookie until the end.. everyone needs a little motivation!!
Amen to cookies!
I have often said surviving the store without losses of both children and products is really a feat to be proud of!Love that printable!
It is Jen!
Haha!!! I NEVER let my daughter out of the cart. She is SUPER active so grocery shopping would take me 3 hours! I see all these moms in the store with their kids pushing the mini carts and wonder.
We have a lot of fun with finding things in the store. I let her scribble things off my list. She’s learning to read so she can find some of the words on her own.
Great list! I am going to try the scavenger hunt next time!
I know right Alicia? This could be the worst chore EVER!
I’ve gone with my three kids a lot this summer since Eli isn’t at school and UGH, 9 times out of 10 it’s a nightmare. Last time, I bribed them with the Snackeez cups they’ve been wanting forever. “If you’re good, we’ll buy them. If not, I’m tossing them out of the cart.” They were great 😉 School starts on Tuesday, so I can plan my trips for when I only have Annelise. Woohoo!!