Who loves going to the grocery store? Anyone? Anyone? Actually, I have to admit that I don’t hate going to the grocery store, and sometimes I really enjoy it. However, going with kids always makes it more challenging, and that’s what I want to talk about today. Because while I can’t promise you won’t leave the store without a headache, I can promise you there are lots of teachable moments that make tackling the grocery store with the kids (once in a while) a worthwhile experience for all of you.
I know everyone’s schedules differ depending on if and when you work outside of the home, what the ages and schedules are of your children, and all the other things you have to fit into your busy days! But it is my experience that taking the time to think about your week and strategize the best time to do your “big shop” makes the whole process much more bearable. Of course I’ve found myself at the store on any given day and time of the week, but I’ve now learned what works and doesn’t work. For instance, on Tuesday mornings, the senior center in our town takes a bus trip to the grocery store. While this is a lovely service, I find I cannot be there at that time with my brood and my need for speeding up and down the aisles (which is my signature shopping style.) Also, waiting until 4:00 on a weekday means I’ll have to take all the kids with me, and the store will be packed with all the teachers who are stopping on their way home to pick up stuff for dinner…this is another NO-GO time for me! So while it might seem obvious, I bet some of you have never really stopped to think about what day and time would really work best for you to do your shopping…it can be life-changing!
Next, is the whole list thing. I have tried all different ways to prep for shopping trips: spreadsheets, apps, cute notepads…and I always come back to a last minute, scribbled “things we’re out of” note on a scrap of paper combined with my mental list of things we just always have in the house. This is what works for me. Of course I try to shop the sales and switch things up here and there, but in this season of our lives (young kids with very specific palettes, busy schedules and a specified budget) I just find this is the best, most convenient way for me to shop.
Ok, now on to the part about making it not the worst 1-2 hours of your day! First let me say, I try to go by myself as often as possible, with the next best option being to bring only one child with me, but of course that doesn’t always happen. So here’s what we do when the shopping is a family affair:
- An older kid in charge of the list…this gives them something to do and focus on. It gets them reading, checking things off as we go and helping to figure what part of the store we need to be in.
- Play “Name that Fruit/Veggie” in the produce section…this is something that everyone can do because there are so many different and interesting things to see in the produce section. Sure the baby is focusing on the basic apple, banana and carrots. But I challenge my older kids to find something that starts with a K, or to see how many purple vegetables are available. We also do lessons in quantity and weight in the produce section.
- In the basic center aisles, we always talk about sales, the size of packages and how to determine what the best values are for your money. Sometimes I’ll have coupons, and I ask the older kids to track down those particular items for me.
- When we get to the snack aisles, instead of listening to them pester for cheesy poofs and ring dings, I take the opportunity to talk about nutrition labels. I’m not saying I never give into occasional treats, but I ask the kids to take a minute to compare items and make smart choices. We also talk about what things we could try making at home in order to make healthier versions.
- In the deli or fish department, I try to encourage my older kids to do the ordering for me, giving them the opportunity to practice public speaking. “Speak loudly. Say it clearly. Be polite.” They feel important and this is such a necessary life skill!
- At the end everyone helps with the loading and unloading. Sure I’m particular about putting the things away in the fridge and pantry, but everyone can help carry all the stuff into the house, that’s for sure!
I’d love to hear some of your best grocery shopping stories…no judgement here for nightmares…we are that family that has knocked down an entire display!!!
I do everything in my power to avoid grocery shopping with my two little ones (3 and 5!). Right now the biggest help for us when we shop is the silly little “car” cart with two steering wheels. My oldest is just starting to get into lists now though, so I may have to start letting her help with the list. What a great idea, thanks!
I have a 3 yo and a 1yo and I don’t ever go to the store by myself with them! These are some great tips so maybe I will try it in the near future. I do think my 3yo would love the name that fruit/veggie. When we all go together she loves to push a miniature cart around!
Yes, Carrie the best option is always a solo trip!!! But I bet your kids would love to play the name game! Have fun!
These are great tips and ideas! I love having the kids feel like that are apart and needed at the store too!
I always loved going and helping my mom with the grocery shopping, and hope I can instill that in my kids as well!
Right now I only have a 10 month old, so to keep him happy I usually just bring a snack or he loves sitting in the cart and making new friends smiling at everyone 🙂
Everyone loves a flirty baby in a shopping cart! Thanks for stopping by and sharing!
I love these tips! I’ve never thought about involving my three year old in the shopping. I will be trying this at our next shopping trip. Thanks!
Melanie…I hope you guys have a little fun next time you go shopping! Thanks for stopping by!
Stacy this is FANTASTIC!! What a perfect way to be intentional about teaching your children valuable life skills in a way that makes them feel valuable and included, rather than like a burdensome nuisance! Grocery store trips with 4 small kids can be hectic, to say the least – BUT, we kind of have a rhythm down and they know what to expect, which helps a lot. The fact that they know they have a free bakery cookie to look forward to at the end of a well-behaved trip doesn’t hurt either 😉
Stacy- These are awesome tips. I have a three-year-old and one year old, and taking them to the store can be a huge drag. But I do bribe the oldest with cookies from the grocery store bakery for good behavior! Cheers.
Your post actually makes me WANT to take my girls grocery shopping with me! Good job, mama! I am also one of those people that doesn’t hate grocery shopping…I actually kinda love it! It’s the only shopping (besides online) that doesn’t stress me out.
Um love the tips! I always try to go when I can get the baby to sleep in the ergo. Although she naps less and less while being worn….
early Saturday morning is the best time with no kid haha
My favorite time of the day is 7am on Sunday, no one is there, everything is fully stocked and the kids are still in bed so I am at the grocery store and home with everything put away before they wake up. It’s glorious. Those times I have to take them with me, I usually give them something to remember that we have to buy, so when we get there, they tell me what it is. I have a 5 and 2 year old, so being fast and giving them things to do helps a lot!
Sounds like you got it down Mama! Thanks for stopping by Sarah!
Great list! Currently I wait until both of my munchkins are in school, but summer is coming fast!
Jess…can you believe we’re halfway through March? And in the summer I feel like we always need way more food in the house because the kids are always hungry!!!
These are great tips! I used a lot of these when my kids were small and now it is much easier to go shopping with them than to go alone!
Thanks! Sometimes I really just want to hop online and order the grocery delivery service!
These are great ideas – my eldest has recently started ‘helping’ me with the shopping. There are handheld zappers that she loves to be in charge of as we go around, it’s adorable. I’m just waiting for my youngest to want to help too and then there will be fights over it!
We have those zappers too Alison! I just let my little guy do it, or just take it away and fun doing the zapping myself if they start fighting!
These are all great tips! It has gotten a little easier as they have grown, but I still always dread going with both of them! Thanks for this!
I agree, Leah…much easier with my older ones. But they can be super opinionated too!
I’m currently pregnant with my first child but this caught my eye for tips to keep in mind later. Thanks for sharing 🙂
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Congrats Kristina…you’ll need these tips before you know it! Luckily when they are really little you can count on them to sleep through shopping if you’re quick!
I don’t have any kids, but this looks like a huge task. These are some awesome tips for parents.
Thanks Shamira!
I think it’s great that you really focus on involving your kids in the shopping process and in understanding the foods you are purchasing. Instilling that knowledge in them at such a young age is crucial in building smart habits. Great tips!
Thanks Cara! I agree that the kiddos need to have a good foundation with healthy habits. Thanks for stopping by!
I am so glad I am past that stage of my life. You have some good ideas.
Thanks Candy! I know I’ll miss them being so young, but I’ll never miss the store trips that end in tears!!!
I am a huge fan of giving my son apples to eat while grocery shopping, and of course telling the clerk to add on a few to our order! He typically does well, but I have always adhered to his schedule and never go during naptime or close to it! Great pointers!
My girl is just 13 month old, so it’s kind of easier now (not really,) I am really not sure how things will be as she grows! I am definitely going to keep these in mind, Thanks for sharing the awesome tips!
These are awesome tips! I find myself overwhelmed when I take my two little ones to the store alone. I’ll definitely be using most of these next time!