Thursday, October 15, 2009

Parenting 101 - Shopping the easy way

There is a chore that brings terror to the hearts of most parents: Shopping. Why? Because they have to bring along little Tommy or Sally, maybe even both, and that's just asking for trouble. There's the whining, the begging, the tantrums... And don't even get me started on the children's behavior. But shopping is a necessary evil because those frozen chicken pot pies and L'Eggs pantyhose are not going to just show up on your doorstep. So what's a parent to do? Well folks, you've come to the right place because I have your solution.

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That's right, the claw game. Just stick Junior into the machine while you shop. He/she is completely contained and they have plenty of toys to play with to keep themself entertained. Safety isn't even an issue because, hey, we all know that no one ever wins at those games. Stupid claw won't hold on to anything long enough for you to win. Yes, your precious youngster will be safe and sound until you get back. Once you're done with your shopping, just call for one of the friendly store security personnel to come open up the machine to get your child out. They're always happy to help! Yes, it's a win-win all around. Now go and enjoy that pot pie!

10 comments:

jasonS said...

Perfect! It's Wal-mart's version of the playland. My only gripe is that you need 75 cents to them back out...

Helen said...

I am SO glad that I got to know you BEFORE I have kids. What would I do without your wisdom?

Sarah Salter said...

I remember when I was in grade school, we made two trips to the mall each year. Once to buy summer clothes and once to buy winter clothes. And I was so appalled to see that there were other parents there who had their kids on leashes. LEASHES! I was outraged!

About 3 weeks ago, for her 25th birthday, I took my young friend Beth out to dinner for her birthday. Because her hubby is deployed, we had to take her 16 month old and her 3 month old with us. By the 5th time we had to chase the toddler across the restaurant, I was gritting my teeth behind a plastered-on grin and whispering, "Hey Beth, don't you got a leash for 'im?"

Yep. Reason Number 37 why I'm still single and childless...

Marni said...

I'm the mean mom who doesn't allow Wal Mart arcades (the germaphobe thing again. I know. I have issues). I've found it much easier to tether the youngest to the cart and give her a big shake (the McDonald's ice cream kind, not the child abuse kind)to keep her quiet while I quickly get what I need.

And also? What are these "pantyhose" of which you speak?

Wendy said...

Marni - Don't you remember L'Eggs? The pantyhose that came in the big plastic egg?

Anonymous said...

Great advice! Even at my kids ages, they like to do this. Sadly, on those very rare occasions where they win something...I have to put that fake proud smile on my face.

I'd much rather waste the $1.00 than bring home another one of those claw machine 'treasures'!

Heart2Heart said...

This is super cute. Now if they only had them in every store in all kinds of sizes. Sometimes my teens are the ones that cause me the most issues.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Candy said...

Good thing I don't have to buy groceries with one of those claw thingies. I'd starve to death.

Nick the Geek said...

We have 4 and they won't all fit in the machine. I like that more stores are prepared for more than one child. Some stores have the regular child seat plus 2 extra seats. We let the oldest stand on the front wear the warning sign expressly says not to stand, or even lay down on the shelf under the cart. Suddenly we have room for all the kids and the groceries.

Annie K said...

Maybe they could make 'super-size' of those things for people like Nick with multiple kids. That would be awesome.