Things You'll Need:
- snack bags for each child
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Step 1
Start with a detailed list of everything you need so that you don't return home without the toothpaste. Before you leave home, pack snack bags (snacks in a zip loc sandwich bag works just fine) for the kids with water in spill-proof cups. Let the kids know ahead of time that good behavior is expected of them to receive a reward ( penny pony ride, small treat, stickers, or another small inexpensive reward or privilege). You might have to remind smaller children as you approach the store as their memories are rather short. Pack diaper supplies and everybody use the bathroom before you go. Go after the children are well fed and rested. (You know best when that is.)
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Step 2
When you reach the store, get as many of your children into a cart as possible to expedite this process. Use a "fun cart" as my children call it to put a smile on their faces. (These are the ones that have benches, fire trucks, race carts, or anything different from an ordinary cart. They also provide more space for groceries.) Pass out the snack bags, put a smile on your face, and get to work on that list.
When the snacks are finished, to appease ancy children, let them pick out the salad dressing or grab a bag of carrots. And, always, I repeat, always, visit the lobster tank. -
Step 3
When you've finished the list, after a trip to the bathroom and a couple of in-store timeouts (done calmly and with a smile on your face, of course), proceed to the self-checkout lanes for larger orders. Plant a child or two at the end bagging groceries, while someone hands them to you to scan, or let a child scan if they can do it. To be fair and avoid bickering switch jobs at checkout. This may seem exhausting, but it beats standing in line with ancy children. Let them use some of their energy to help you. You will all actually get out of the store calmer and happier.
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Step 4
Use pick up service if you need to, but for the ultimate calorie-burning experience, I suggest that you handle the walk to the car yourself as long as all little bodies are safe and secure in the cart in the process. Load the kids first, then the groceries for their safety and your peace of mind. You can give them the treat or reward here to have a peaceful and quiet ride home. Once you are home, work together to put the groceries away. Now that wasn't so bad was it?
