Running Errands with a Toddler
So you have errands to run and have to take your toddler. Long gone are the days where your newborn baby just slept through your errands. Now you have a very active and vocal child who’s tagging along.
Well firstly, I don’t recommend it. If at all possible, avoid this if you can. Leave them at home or drop them off to someone who can watch them while you handle your business.
But we are all very aware we can’t avoid the inevitable forever, so I have gathered up some tips to help you survive running errands with your toddler.
Choose your timing wisely.
Don’t use your child’s nap time as an opportune time to hit the streets. You want a fed and rested child out with you in public so make sure those needs are met before even getting started.
Keep them busy.
As much as you may not want to increase screen time during these days of quarantine, we want a quiet and still child while we get our shopping done. Whatever will keep your kid busy, do that. Whip out CocoMelon, Elmo, Paw Patrol and the gang to do the trick.
Make it quick sis.
This is not the trip where you are comparing the ingredients of four different brands of cheeses. No be deliberate and get in and get out. Don’t get me wrong I am not saying to let your child rush you, but I am saying this is not the trip to lolly gag and be in the store all day as if you were by yourself.
Get them involved.
Shopping with mommy or daddy can be fun if you make it fun. Engage your toddler and have them get the milk or bread or crackers off the shelf. Toddlers love helping and it will make the time pass quicker.
Reward them.
Your toddler just spent 45 minutes with you in Target or Costco, reward them with their favorite popsicles or fruit snack. They’ll feel proud of themselves and they’ll remember the reward they got at the end the next time.
I know this might have sounded like an episode of Hunger Games. It kinda is lol. May the force we with you.
Yes, I know that’s two different movies, but you need all the encouragement :). Good luck.
How do you feel about running errands with your toddler? At what age do you think this became more manageable?
Let’s talk about it.
Love ya, Mean it,