Mom's Master Shopping Survivial Guide Feb 24 2008

The night before

Clean out the fridge

Make your list ( have Dad control the natives while you do this, hide in the bathroom, threaten NO DORA, whatever it takes)


Before even leaving the house:

Prepare a plate of lunch for each child.

Make sure that diaper bag is stocked with wipes, diapers, bottle, a little snack, toy and book for each chld,a change of clothes for each child and the list you have prepared ( NOTE: preparing the list while Dad can take care of kids ensures everyones survival before during and after shopping)

Everyone takes a bathroom break, MOM TO! this may be the point of NO RETURN for you!!!!

Has the baby been changed recently, been offered a bottle recently

Do you have your billfold?

Does the bill fold have your Credit Card and some cash in it?

While in the Car:

For older children: remind them they are your good helpers and you need them very much, when making your list plan on things that they can reach off the shelves but not destroy
* good things for them to help with: bagels, boxes of ceral, diapers, toothpaste * BAD things for them to help with: eggs, bread ( SMOOSH!!) , milk, chips ( CRUSH)

Review Awana verses, sing the ABCs, sing silly songs like Dad does ( remember that you are not as cool as Dad and depending on the day this may not go very well)

Getting out of the car at parking lot:

WARNING: PEOPLE IN PARKING LOTS ARE NOT LOOKING FOR SHORT PEOPLE, THEY ARE NOT OVER ALL LOOKING AT ALL AS THEY DRIVE CROSS WAYS ACROSS THE PARKING LOT TO SPEED TO THE NEAREST CLOSEST PARKING SPOT, GIVING THEM THE "MOMMA BEAR" LOOK WILL NOT CHANGE THEM

Take each child out of the car individually while the others are still strapped in. Secure each child in the cart and then get another, repeat until all children are in the cart

Make sure you have your diaper bag, and billfold.


Inside the Store

Give each child a toy or book

Circle the outside of the grocery section of the store first, getting your meat, cheese and veggies.

Change the toy that each child has,

This is the point where you give your older child a "list" of things to get. This action will required you to let your child out of the cart if you haven't already. A hard and fast rule to ingrain in your child is the "hand on the cart" rule. When they are not in the cart they MUST keep one hand on the cart at all times. They may remove the hand ONLY if they have your permission. ENFORCE THIS RULE AT ALL COSTS!!

After getting everything on your list, head to the check out counter. Look for a cashier who seems to have it together. Maybe a "mom" looking gal who will perhaps talk to your children, entertaining them a bit, always helpful. Also at this point, break out the snacks you brought. NEVER EVER EVER buy your children a toy while they are with you at the store, this advances you to the SUDDEN DEATH ROUND ..........oh and by the way EVERYONE LOSES in that round!!!

After sucsessfully checking out gather everyone close and head for the car

Observe all rules for getting out of the car in the parking lot when getting into the car

When at Home:

When you arrive home, no matter who is crying or fussing, leave your children in the car while you power through taking in and putting away the groceries. They will cry whether they are in or out of the car, and think of all the things they need RIGHT NOW. Better to have them in the car STRAPPED IN, than hanging on your legs making a 15 minutes job take 45 minutes.

After putting away the groceries, bring in the children, turn on a story to listen to and eat lunch. Its probably then nap time, FOR EVERYONE!!!