As a parent, it’s a rare moment when I can escape the house without my little ones. The only time I really manage to do so is for appointments like haircuts—hence my preference for a short hairstyle. Most of the time, however, my kids tag along, and our frequent destination is the all-in-one shopping mecca that has everything from clothes to cottage cheese.
To my surprise, my kids genuinely enjoy these shopping outings. Since we visit the same store regularly, the staff knows us well. They can recall when my daughter was just learning to walk and when my son was still a tiny bundle of energy inside me. To make our trips sound more exciting, I’ve even dubbed the store “Disneyland” in hopes that other parents will think I’m cool when I say, “Hey kids! Ready for Disneyland?”
While our store visits can be a blast, they aren’t without their challenges. Between my “Mommy Brain” forgetting essential items and my kids’ various meltdowns—whether it’s from losing their snack or from being too close to each other—shopping can become a juggling act. If you’re contemplating bringing your kids along, here are 10 compelling reasons to do so:
- Verbal Processing: If you find yourself chatting to yourself, a shopping trip provides the perfect cover. You can talk out loud without anyone batting an eye, as everyone assumes you’re just engaging with your children. “If I forget to grab coffee again, I might just have to switch to eating sugar by the spoonful!”
- Toy Aisle Adventures: Let’s be honest, you can swing a plastic sword or test every noisy toy without kids in tow, but having them around makes it feel less silly. Plus, there’s something cathartic about making all the singing toys go off at once—who doesn’t need a good laugh now and then?
- Sampling Heaven: “Can I have one sample for my daughter? And my son? Oh, and one for their dolls too?” Free samples become your best friends on these outings, especially when you’re trying to keep your little ones happy.
- Self-Control Practice: It’s a lesson in patience as you navigate public tantrums. You can’t unleash your frustration when your child is throwing a fit; instead, you learn to maintain composure while the chaos unfolds around you.
- Teaching Financial Savvy: “No, sweetie, we can’t get that fancy box of mac and cheese. The cheaper one is just as good! Look, this dented box is reduced to $0.19.” These lessons in frugality can stick with them for years.
- Activity Break: With toddlers, it’s tough to come up with engaging activities. A trip to the store is an easy way to get out of the house and avoid the struggle of finding creative ways to entertain them without creating a mess.
- Avoiding Home Hazards: Stepping on Legos and tripping over toys is an everyday struggle. A stroll through the store’s pristine aisles gives you a much-needed break from the chaos of your living room.
- Climate Control: If, like me, you wilt in the heat, the store’s air conditioning feels like a mini-vacation. It’s a win for the kids and a cooldown for you—until you deny them a sweet treat at the bakery, of course.
- Priority Checkout: If your kids are melting down, the person in front of you will likely opt to let you go ahead rather than endure the symphony of screams. You might just find yourself at the front of the line.
- Compliments Galore: If your kids are behaving, strangers might comment on how cheerful they are. “Are they always this happy?” Spoiler alert: No, they’re not. And if you keep asking, I might just need you to babysit until bedtime!
In summary, taking your kids to the store can offer unexpected benefits—from self-reflection and financial lessons to the joy of free samples. Plus, it’s a great way to escape the clutter of home and enjoy some air conditioning.
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