Shopping with kids. It’s not always the easiest thing. Especially when it comes to the mall. I try to only go to the mall by myself, but when I HAVE to take the kids these tips get me through it.
Be prepared to ease up on your rules: Normally, I restrict Hudson’s use of my iPhone. He can use it a little bit on the weekends and that’s it. But at the mall, he can play whatever he wants, for as long as he wants. If he is playing Angry Birds Go or Lego Mixels, he doesn’t care HOW many dresses I try on! The sounds from it amuses Mila as well.
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| I always pack the necessities! |
You will make a fool of yourself or be embarrassed: Your kid will pee themselves, break merchandise, puke, start screaming or crying, get hurt… SOMETHING. Don’t worry about the people staring at you or whispering, just smile and move on. I once sang the ABC song 37 times (that’s a guesstimate… it was probably more) in the Banana Republic dressing room because it was the only thing that would make Mila stop crying. I walked out and bought my two dresses (that were 40% off on top of sale prices, thank you very much) with my head held high. You do what you gotta do.
Something will be lost: You will not leave the mall with everything you walked it with, but as long as I still have my kids and my car keys, I’m good. It could be a bottle, pacifier, toy, sock, or hat. You may realize it at the car, when you get home, or even days later. For example, the day I took these pictures Mila is wearing a bow in some of them, then the bow disappears. Not sure where we lost it and I didn’t even notice until I was looking at the pics to post.
Bribery is perfectly acceptable: When it comes to shopping, I am not above a good bribe or two. Judge me if you want, but after a day of errands, if a bribe can buy me some more time, so be it. The dollar bins at Target are your friend. Buy some little toys and trinkets and keep them in your closet or even your car, so you can always have something ready to go!
Don’t forget food: I cant stress the importance of SNACKS! Good snacks can stop any breakdown. Lately my go to items have been from the Happy Family company. Mila loved their baby food, and now the Happy Toddler line is perfect for both kids. Hudson and Mila always want whatever the other one is eating, so this makes it easier since I don’t have to bring separate snacks. I can toss the fruit and veggie pouches right in my bag, the puffs and rice cakes are always a hit, and don’t get me started on the Happy Creamies drops & adorable puppy shaped chocolate toddler cookies! (I sneak the granola bars all the time!) The kids love everything! The best part is all foods and snacks made by the Happy Family company is organic, and they never use artificial sweeteners or flavors. There are no trans-fats in the food and the packaging is BPA free. They are also made with the best ingredients like plant-based DHA, probiotics, and even kale! You can learn more about the company and their products here.
If that sounds good, you are in luck! The Happy Family Company is giving away a Happy Toddler prize package to one of my readers. The contest ends at midnight on May 13, 2014. Winners will be notified by email.
{Happy Family provided me with items to review free of charge, however the opinions posted are ALL my own. Anyway, I wouldn’t be able to force my kids to eat something they didn’t like, so you know the snacks are good!}
Love it! A mom of my own heart! Bribery can be such a lifesaver for those last few items you need,and never EVER leave home without snacks and a SPILLPROOF cup!!
Yes! I need a spillproof cup! I don't have one! (how is that possible?)
Snacks are KEY…for any outing, but especially to the store!!! Although, I still feel like I"m on the clock with limited time every time I venture out with mine…grrr!!
I do too… I start with the top 3 MUST go-to stores, then anything after that is just a bonus! 😉
Lol. Glad I'm not the only one who uses the dollar bin at Target for a little bribery/shopping entertainment. Hey, it works.
Also, I'm always, ALWAYS armed with snacks. This is one time my over-packing compulsion comes in handy, because I'm always armed with toys and snacks while we're out running errands 🙂
Haha.. yes my husband always makes fun of my massive purses… and I say "Do you know what is here??? You can find ANYTHING you need in here!"
use bribes all the time when i go shopping!!!! all good advice!
Thanks Nicole… yes I think all good moms bribe. haha
Thanks, I love Happy Family!
Thanks for stopping by Sara, good luck!
Yes, shopping with kids can be…interesting. I usually would try to distract them with tiny toys. Or my keys. Something.
Yes! Keys is a good one, except when the baby hits the panic button 😉 Thanks for commenting & good luck!
What a great giveaway! love Happy Family!
Thanks for entering Brittany! Good luck!!