Whether or not you love to shop, going to the store with a toddler in tow is much different from shopping alone or with older kids or adults. Today, I took my toddler to the mall. I survived. I didn’t think I would.
At least when I go shopping alone or with an adult or even with a teenager, they walk by themselves without asking to be carried. My son just had to have me carry him and that took a toll on my back.
I remember a few years ago when I went shopping with my friend and her toddler. This is before I had a child of my own. I got so frustrated with her for arguing with her two-year-old. Today, I remembered that and felt bad for how I had reacted to her frustrations that day. I had no idea how difficult shopping with a toddler can be.
As a mother, I am, of course, concerned about the safety of my child while out in public. There are so many things that can happen. Still, with a toddler, there is the issue of protecting them and also the issue of controlling them.
So, I’m in Old Navy and my son is throwing a temper tantrum. I pull him over to a corner and kneel down to his level. I am explaining to him that he can’t run away from me. I’m explaining that he has to behave properly and that I will not tolerate his bad behavior. All the while, I’m wondering what I’ll do if the tantrum continues.
I had an audience several times today. My son wasn’t on his best behavior. I was scolding him in public, which always seems to attract attention. When my son is crying and pitching a fit, it is impossible not to do something about it. I realize he has drawn the attention of others and that I am being scrutinized about how I handle the situation.
Today, I placed my child in a time out in a corner in Old Navy and I’ve given him a slap on the hand for hitting me in the face at the mall. I’ve had a rough day. Shopping with a toddler took a toll on me. I’m exhausted. Does this happen to everyone who attempts shopping with a toddler?
The purpose of my shopping expedition today was to buy an appropriate outfit for my son to wear to visit Santa. We did (after all of the tantrums) find an outfit and make it to see Santa and get a photo.
By the end of the shopping expedition, my back was killing me from carrying my son. He wasn’t willing to walk and he refused to ride in a shopping cart. What’s more, I’m now broke from spending too much money on him and I am exhausted from the whole ordeal.
I’ve never been a person who loves shopping. I can do without the crowds and the lines. I would, however, like to know if true shopaholics can still enjoy shopping when they have a toddler with them?
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