Let’s face it. When you have a large family, it can take a military style operation just to get to the store! And keeping your kids out of mischief while you’re there can sometimes be an even bigger challenge. It’s quicker, easier, and somewhat cheaper to do it when you’re on your own, but when does that ever happen these days? Fortunately, there are a few tips and tricks that might help you avoid the nightmare of grocery shopping with the kids:
Make A List
One of the simplest ways to avoid overspend is to make a list and stick to it. Divide the list so each of the kids can be responsible for finding something while you are there. It will keep them occupied while you’re grabbing the bits you want for yourself. Organizing it by aisle or department can help too although the younger ones may need to buddy up with an older sibling. Clarify the rules of engagement. No shouting, no fighting, and no extras you didn’t ask for!
Catalogs
There are catalogs for every kind of purchase you may ever need to make. At this time of year, the new ones are out, like the new Carrefour catalogs. Be sure to get hold of your favorites. This kind of remote shopping can be done when the kids are in bed. Best of all, you don’t need to leave the house or drive anywhere to get your orders. You’re less likely to end up with things in your cart that you didn’t intend to buy too!
Internet
The internet provides another way to shop. If you find you are distracted by the kids, shopping online can help you focus on your task. It frees up your time too. All the hours you’ve spent just getting the kids to put their shoes on, get into the car, and do up seatbelts! It can feel like a battle sometimes that can wear you down. Online shopping avoids all that hassle. You can also order grocery deliveries this way to avoid that big weekly shop we all dread.
Midnight Shopper
If you have someone responsible at home, you could aim to do your shopping once the kids are asleep. Of course, this means you may be up a bit later than you like. But the stores are quieter late at night. And when your kids aren’t there, the whole shopping trip can be done in half the time. Unfortunately, it also means you are the only one there to carry all those heavy shopping bags! So be sure to avoid buying anything bulky or bigger than a nut chopper to best distribute the weight.
Little And Often
Heading to the local store daily can help avoid the need for a big weekly shop. Fit it into your regular routines and make it a part of your lifestyle. Aim to pick up just one or two things each day, and you can drastically reduce the need for your car. Plus, you’ll get that little bit of extra activity into your day.
