It's a testament to how frazzled I am that I would use two exclamation points in the title. But that's how much I need help.
As a mother of five children, two of whom are two-year-olds, I try to avoid taking all of them to the store. I really do avoid it like the plague. But sometimes, these things have to be done. When my husband's out of town and we're running out of milk and bananas and bread, these things have to be done.
Last night, such a time happened. And I hemmed and hawed about going or not. I could wait until my husband got home and just hope to not run out of milk before then. I knew that taking all of them to the grocery store could be suicidal.
I've stopped going to most stores with all of them because in recent months, the twins have stopped sitting in carts. At. All. They want to walk by themselves and explore things and be big people. N especially likes to put her little hands in her pockets and strut around like she's big stuff. But I thought the grocery store might still be ok because they have those car carts that the twins love. Usually, I can put both of them in the car cart, and they turn the steering wheel and have a lovely time.
But no more. Last night's trip to the grocery store was horrible, awful, terrible. I should have turned around and walked out a dozen times, but once I started, I just kept going. I thought if I hurried, it would be over faster. And maybe it was over faster, but it was horrifying. Just horrifying. Twins screaming, climbing all over the place, trying to run away—just horrifying.
They won't sit in the twin stroller. I've even tried taking their twin harness thing, but that was just ridiculous. So, if you have twins or even two small children that aren't that far apart, please help. If you have some magic idea that might work to make it less horrifying, please help.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
6 comments:
So sorry... I always did my grocery shopping with the double stroller, stuffing gallons of milk into the area below where they sat. It was embarrassing, but at least the kids were harnessed in. I wish I had something to suggest: bribery? bringing them to my house for 60 minutes? I'd totally take them to save you the grief, because I've been there. It's impossible.
Is there someone close by that you could do a kid/grocery swap each week? That way each of you get your groceries done and without kids so much less painful? I don't have this arrangement since I really have no one near by with little ones except my neighbor with 10 kids and hey...I ain't taking 10 kids :)
Timing is everything. I found that it is universally worthless to take children anywhere at night. I am too tired, they are too awful and it never goes well. So, if you can't find someone to trade with (which I highly endorse) at least going in the morning before nap time you will have only two to worry about and hopefully they will be kinder to you then. I know it makes work and stuff harder, but it's worth it, I think.
When we go to Costco, I buy the two little ones a churro that they split to eat as we shop--best dollar ever spent. Maybe there's something you could bring or buy that is special that will keep them occupied for their special trip to the store. Sometimes allowing them to hold the bread or something is sufficiently distracting and exciting. When Z was little, if he was wedged between two gallons of milk, he would endure any length of shopping, without the milk, nothing was possible.
Shopping with kids is rough. And I've had some horrible trips lately! BUT, I do find that asking them to put the stuff in the cart helps, or lollipops. I tell them if they want to sit in the cart, I will give them lollipops. And yes, I put my kids in the basket of the cart. Much easier!
When I run out of milk and I don't want to go into the grocery store, I go to one of those gas stations with a drive through window. It's usually about $1 more than you'd pay in the store, but it's worth it to me:) Not sure about the bananas and bread though. Good luck!
I only go when my "big" kids are at school and usually give cate a lollipop (don't tell the dentist). When she starts to get bad I just hurry and get done but it's easy for me to give advice with just one 2 year old to shop with! My mom never took my brothers to the store. NEVER! I wouldn't be surprised if John still hasn't ever seen the inside of a store. :)
Post a Comment