This Should Be Your First Thought When You Take Your Kids Shopping

On average, I go shopping with my kids about 3 – 4 times a week. There are a couple reasons for this.

First of all, TARGET. Need I say more?

Second, my kids take up so much of the cart that I wouldn’t have room to get everything I need for the week in one trip anyway.

I know exactly what many of you are thinking at this very moment. Why don’t you just go by yourself and leave the kids at home? Good question. And when I’m 30 steps from the checkout lane and everybody is screaming I find myself asking the same one.

However, time out of the house by myself is rare. And when I finally get it? I would much rather spend it writing to YOU from my cozy chair in front of the fireplace at Caribou Coffee instead of checking what brand of deli meat is on sale.

So, this morning was trip number two of the week. We pulled into the parking lot, and per usual, my heart started to pitter patter a little as I scouted the cart corrals in hopes of finding my faithful shopping companion, Shop Along II. (Yes, I’m on a first name basis with the amazing contraption that carries my groceries AND all my kids.)

Please, there’s gotta be one today. Today I don’t have the energy to take them inside with the regular cart and make the transfer to the bigger cart in the store. Today, I’ve been up since the crack of dawn telling my kids that we can’t have cookies for breakfast and that we don’t shove food down the furnace vents. Today, I just need one thing to feel easy.

Then, I saw it. The cart corral of all cart corrals. It just so happened that today there wasn’t just one, but SEVERAL of these bad boys waiting to make my day.

In that moment, I felt so encouraged. Not only because I had a cart, but because of the stockpile of carts left behind. It meant that there were moms before me who had already finished their Target runs that day.

They had already taken the kids out of the car one by one.

They had already scrambled to find their keys to lock up before power walking inside.

They had already raced through the store, some with their lists, and others who were feeling defeated  for not having the time to write a list.

They had already made it to the back of the store when they remembered that they forgot to grab peanut butter in Aisle 1.

They had already stopped the cart every 5 minutes to give the baby a pacifier.

They had already visited the toy section and left with kids who were disappointed that they couldn’t get another Matchbox Car or My Little Pony.

They had already placed a box of fruit snacks on the belt only to find it soggy from the toddler that tried to gnaw through it.

They had already paid with kids screaming to realize that they had gone over their grocery budget again.

They had already wished the cashier would bag their groceries just a little quicker so they could bolt for the exit.

They had already experienced a sigh of relief when they made it back to their cars.

They, these other mothers, had gone before me.

Here’s the thing. Whether it’s grocery shopping, the terrible twos, potty training, kindergarten, or anything else on this journey of motherhood, there are other moms who have GONE BEFORE US. We are not alone.

So momma, the next time you pull into the parking lot at your grocery store or enter a stage that you are totally unsure about, remember that you aren’t the first one to do it. There are moms around the country and world who are doing the same things you are at that very moment. And there are moms who have already conquered it.

Most days, just knowing I’m not alone is enough. Knowing that there are other moms who do what I do keeps me sane.

And so, I hope I see you out and about. And when I see you with a cracker box already opened and crumbs all over your toddler’s face? I’ll know we’re on the same page. I’ll know that we’re both doing our best, and that our best is always enough.

XOXO,

Amber

P.S. For more reflections on parenthood and life, follow us on Facebook (Hun Let’s Run) and on Instagram: @ambermariekuiper and @jakekuiper! We’d also love for you to subscribe to our Hun, Let’s Run Podcast! For more info about joining our fitness community as a customer or coach, please email us at amber@mommysmetime.com!