Tips for Holiday Shopping with Toddlers in Tow

Yesterday I decided to go to Target along with everyone else in south Charlotte.  My trip got me thinking about some things I do right (not that I am an expert by any means.  I definitely learned this the hard way)...

1.  Always park near the cart return.  That's better than getting near the store entrance.

2.  Pack snacks or buy a treat (never forget: bribery works)

3.  Make eye contact with people, they will open doors for you and help you more.

4.  When in line, if you look like you are trying to hurry, the people behind you don't get as mad.

5.  Keep trips short.  Several short trips are much better than one really bad one.

6.  Make a list before you leave the house (or in my case, in the parking space while your kids are still strapped in and the DVD player is running.)

Now for those of you who are shopping alongside me and my children but do not have yours with you.  Here is my wish list...

1.  I wish people wouldn't wait for my parking space when I am coming out of the mall.  Do they know take me at least 5 minutes (thats with no dirty diapers) to buckle in two children, unload their stuff, my stuff, the stuff I bought and then the stroller.

2.  I wish people wouldn't make speculations out loud as to why they think my children are crying.  "Oh, he's hungry." or "It must be nap time." don't say "he needs his passy." or even "are you ok?"

3.  Please know that they should require a license for driving double strollers.  They are bulky and cumbersome.  It takes some creativity to maneuver them especially in a crowded mall.  So be patient with me if I am in your way.

Comments

[Jessica]

I totally agree that bribery works. I haven't left the house without a pack of M&Ms in my pocket for most of December.

[Olivia]

I will never understand why people feel the need to ask whats wrong with my children thus standing in my way while I am pushing a 300 pound cart with eggs expertly balanced on top while a very skilled 6 year old is hanging on for dear life while trying to master HEALLYS, a crying 2 year old and four year old.... I just hope I don't see them at church on Sunday because the look on my face is less than Christ-like! Merry Christmas!

[Jennifer]

I HATE it too when people wait on my parking space. They will sit there for 5 minutes holding up traffic behind them while I find my keys, unload all my stuff, buckle in my kids, find the bribery item I bought them and promised they could have as soon as we got in the car, take my buggy back, find my keys again, tell my older kids to buckle again because they either didn't do it the first time or unbuckled to get something while I was taking the buggy back, answer my cell phone, pick up the toy my 3 year old dropped, find my keys again and finally try to back out of the space but can't because the person waiting for my spot has crept up to close for my minivan to get out! Ahh- Christmas

[Stephanie]

I am with you on the parking by the cart return. I always am searching for the spot right beside one. It is so convient!