I thought I was doing pretty well as a mom, until Monday, when I discovered the secret to greatness.
We needed to make a trip to buy warm pants and boots for my oldest, not the most exciting outing with three kids. I usually try to plan shopping trips to a maximum of two children. Monday after school meant bringing three.
I know bribery is a frowned upon parenting tactic, but it seemed like the best solution for a potentially rocky shopping trip with two kids “walking” by the cart and one begging to get out. So, I promised the kids a treat and prepared for battle.
Then they saw it: the mega shopping cart that holds three. Novelty kicked in and everyone decided they wanted to ride. I immediately clipped them in before anyone changed their minds and headed to the snack counter. Popcorn seemed like the logical way to go, with the potential to keep them entertained long enough to find boots and pants. $4.50, an extra bag to split the popcorn, and cup clips for the cart in hand and we were on our way.
Then something miraculous happened: The kids laughed, smiled, and remained in their seats the entire shopping trip. In fact, I racked my brain for anything else I needed to buy, but came up short. This method did mean I had to push a gargantuan cart, constantly relay drinks, and smile politely at comments from other customers about the size of my brood, but that didn’t phase me.
The kids serenaded our shopping trip with a “slurp” and “crunch,” rather than a “I’m bored” and a “I want” The best music to my ears came halfway through when the oldest two declared, “Mom. You’re the Greatest Mom. Ever.”
Best $4.50 spent. Ever. Plus I got my workout for the day.
I love this Mandy. Nothing makes me giddy like Target so I’m loving this “mystery ride”. I follow you and enjoy reading and finally am using my “reading list” to keep up with my favorites. I would love for you to come visit my blog, Barefoot by the Sea too! Have a great day!
Jessica
http://www.barefootbysea.blogspot.com
Haha. Love it! I’m very lucky and my kids are very good in the store. My 2 year old generally walks and doesn’t get into too much. Usually we talk about what we are getting and she helps put it in the cart and that seems to help a lot.
For the record, I think bribery is a FINE tactic! I call it a “reward” though 😉 It’s the only way we can get through a shopping trip with our toddler (though now anytime he sees my purse he asks for candy. But hey, we’re working on speech, so TADAH! There’s another benefit!) 😉
Ha! The only way I get through grocery shopping is with cookies! 🙂
So funny, I wrote a similar piece last night about being Mom of the Week 🙂 We should starte a meme!
PS: Loving your infographics!
So funny, I wrote a similar piece last night about being Mom of the Week 🙂 We should starte a meme!
PS: Loving your infographics!
Hahahahaha! I have yet to see one of those carts, but leave it to Target to come up with something so brilliant. 🙂 You are the greatest mom ever.
Fantastic! We always make a stop for popcorn and a drink to split on big shopping trips, now I will add the carrier for baby and hope it keeps working! Usually a dollar toy scavenged out of the dollar spot at the end of the trip happens too. :]
This made me smile. It also made me think of the huge carts I’ve seen at Sam’s Club, but I think they only seat 2 children. I didn’t know Target had those huge carts; I hope I get to use one soon. We only have one baby so far; more to come soon, I hope!