I tried a new idea for shopping trip chaos organization.
It was the worst trip we’ve had in a long, long time.
Does that mean it was a major fail or do we try this again next time and hope it was just adjusting to a new routine?!
Some lady, under her breath, muttered at me, as we were blocking traffic from both directions and no one was moving any which way despite my attempts to spur someone, anyone, to move out of the way, “Oh good grief. Honey, you need HELP.” I did the best I could. I grinned at her in my most “I so totally have this under control. Whatever for?” expression and marched off to find the bananas.
I haven’t decided if we’ll try that again. It was good in theory, though.
One, older wiser mom shared with me that if her 6+ young children were completely silent, never asked for anything, and didn’t take their hand off the cart while shopping, she would buy a special reward for them to share when they got out to the car. Imagine how odd that might look. Her kids regularly were treated to graham crackers or a stick of gum on the ride home. (Excepting any offenders during the shopping trip.) I haven’t quite got this down myself yet. My friend had 12 kids, but often always had little helpers with her at the market.
I would have totally stood up for you if I was still there!! I was so impressed with the way your “ducks” were lined up! It’s those crazy people at the store!! Many don’t look as they’re leaving an aisle, and end up having an attitude about it.
Don’t you worry about it, Momma and just try it again. You’ve got the sweetest kids, who are TONS better behaved than 99% of them out there! You do have things totally under control!!
Okay…I’m off my soapbox! Love ya! ~Wendy
Sharilyn,
I’ve always thought bribery would mean my kids were in control. Suddenly, I’m seeing it in a whole new light. It’s not bribery… it’s a prize, and one certainly not offered in the moment of the problem, but when all is calm and well BEFORE it starts. Funny how perspective changes. Problem though: how can they all hold onto the cart when that means we take up the entire aisle?! I finally, in reading Large Family Logistics, took her advice and lined them up behind me. It worked better… but still had it’s issues. I’m determined to figure this out to a less stressful trip. Prizes sound like the next thing to try! Thank you. 🙂
Wendy,
I like your soapbox. The good comments often outweigh the bad – but the bad ones seem to stick with me a lot longer. Thanks for the encouragement!
Oh, Adrienne!!! We all have those shopping trips!:) You should remember the comment I got a couple weeks ago in Aldi, after our zoo trip! I’m still figuring out the best shopping strategy too!
Oh, Adrienne!!! We all have those shopping trips!:) You should remember the comment I got a couple weeks ago in Aldi, after our zoo trip! I’m still figuring out the best shopping strategy too!