Shopping with the kids doesn’t necessarily have to be a hassle. I know…you don’t believe me.
I have been in the store with my cousins, nieces, friends’ kids, and my own two kids so I know frustration! If they aren’t asking for everything they see, they’re bickering amongst themselves, screaming about one thing or another, or running off.
          If this is not your main complaint, I would assume it is the fact that you are taking more into the store than you actually plan to bring out. You have to carry in the baby, the baby carrier, the diaper bag, a toy and any older kids you may have. By the time you get in the door, you’ve forgotten why you are even there.
          Why then do we even take them out? LOL…because we have to. But running errands doesn’t have to be this difficult.

          Try a few of these little tricks and see if they help you.

          1. Make sure you keep a change of clothes for your little ones in your car…At All Times! There has been more than one occasion, when my child has gotten car sick while out shopping. Plus, you never know when a spill will occur.
          2. Let your child know why you are going out. If you are grocery shopping or shopping for school clothes (etc.), let them know there will be NO shopping for toys.
          3. Make sure everyone eats and uses the restroom before leaving the house. There is nothing worse than carting a baby carrier and a couple of kids into a public restroom while another child uses it.
          4. Keep the kids entertained in the car. Use music, and conversation. Although TV’s are wonderful in the car for long trips and vacations, using music and conversation is best to keep in touch with what’s going on in your older child’s life and is great for stimulating the minds of your younger children.

          The point is … you don’t have to lose your mind every time you need to run out to pick up a loaf of bread. Try to relax and laugh about these small trials and tribulations. After all, you are lucky to have them!