Making grocery shopping with my two year old a happier expierence.

    I must admit I'm one of those weird people who love grocery shopping (most of the time) That's if I do it in the mornings that is. I feel like grocery shopping is so much more peaceful in the mornings when no ones there trying to push you out of the way, completely ignore the fact that you're trying to get by and they have their cart right in the middle of the walking way, and to be honest some people are just rude.. But that's okay, because I love everyone ;)

But I do love it. I love writing a grocery list, going to the store, looking for great buys and getting food. I don't know why, but I do. However, there are some crazy things that happen during grocery shopping.. Especially when there's a cool, crazy, mobile toddler in the picture who sees things she wants, knows what she wants and will use that will of hers to try and get it. All while leaving me just putting random things that's not on my list to just get out of there before you run into someone you know! .. true story.

So friends, here are some ways I've learned to keep my little bestie occupied while doing my thing. 

1. Go in the morning// I usually try to go grocery shopping before noon. Like I said earlier, I feel like it's so much more peaceful and less rushed that way. I can luxury walk through the aisles and pick up what's on my list without anyone walking too slow, trying to run me over or the kind people who like to stop in the middle of the aisle while they take five minutes to choose between JIFpeanut butter or Skippy.. The lines to check out aren't as long either and I rarely have a line when I shop around 9-10.

2. Pack entertainment and snacks// Evelynne usually never asks for things when I come prepared. I pack a little coloring book with crayons so she can color while I shop. For snacks I usually pack things she likes like Fruit snacks, Horizon graham crackers, juice boxes and fruit to keep her occupied from the cookie aisle. 

We do have a special thing we do though, I take her to the craft section and let her pick out a 50 cent wooden craft she can paint when she gets home.. That little thing makes her happy throughout our grocery shopping experience.

3. Go to the park before// Sometimes I take Evelynne to the park before we go to the store to tire her out a bit which helps her to want to sit in the cart and not get out.. Because we all know that's a horrible idea!

4. Get them involved// If you have a toddler who loves to be included maybe you could let her help by giving her options.. I often let Evelynne choose what fruit she wants, or would she rather have honey grahams or chocolate grahams. I think it makes her feel included and happy that she's being included plus it can be a bonding moment.

   

 

Have a grocery list that's in order// I have a plan every time I go shopping. When I go I start with non perishable firsts, then I go to dairy and fruit afterwards. And I try my best not to back track. I always go there with a list or else I'll forget something and come back with things that I didn't plan to get... like those sweeties. Which brings me to my next thing....

Don't go hungry// It's a no brainer, really. Just don't do that to yourself!

Link up with us and share ways you make grocery shopping a happier experience in the link below.  We'd love your advice and mommy skills.

In this link up we want to share with you what we've found that has worked for us as new mamas to toddlers. Because we're experts  after being moms for a few years or so, right? Not really, but we have some experience and want to share what we've learned and we'd love to learn from you, too!

               Here's our Hosts for this round!

A Beautiful Ministry

You are more

The life of Faith

Our Family Grace

My delicious adventure

Here are the topics we will be talking about this Month!

April 2nd. Spring activities and craft ideas for toddlers.

April 9th.  How  you keep your toddler occupied while grocery shopping.

April 15th.  Potty Training.

April 22.Ways to distract a toddler while you're cooking/cleaning etc.

April 29th.  Clothes shopping for your toddler. (Where do you get the best deals, where do you shop, how do you save money) etc