Trying to get everything done with kids in tow can sometimes seem like an impossible task.
Everyone wants to say or do everything at once, no-one wants to tolerate anyone else or yet another stop to do yet another errand.
It's impossible! Just how can you run errands with kids and stay sane?!
You’re picking up dinner, dropping off dry cleaning, heading to the school to get your first grader and your toddler is screaming in the back seat the entire time. Sound familiar?
Perhaps your tired decides to throw a knockdown drag out temper tantrum on the floor of the grocery store while you’re picking up dinner after school.
What’s wrong with them? Why won’t they behave?
Unfortunately, the answer actually lies with you.
Although that makes it way easier to manage than trying to convince a cranky child to co-operate!
How to Run Errands with Kids and Stay Sane
Here's how to run errands with your kids and stay sane:
1. Know your child’s limits.
If you’ve just picked your toddler up from day care or if they’ve just woken from a nap, they may be too tired or too wired to sit still and behave.
If they’re hungry you can bet they're going to have a meltdown too.
The same goes for kids who have just come out of school or had to transition quickly from something fun to heading out the door with you.
Before you run errands with your child, make sure they’re in good shape to do so.
If they haven’t eaten in a while, get them a snack before you run errands.
Make sure they're rested. If they’re wide awake and fresh from a nap, make a deal with them.
Half an hour at the park and then you get half an hour at the grocery store, or perhaps better the other way round!
2. Know your own limits.
Sometimes our rational brain is working and we can manage our kids like we’re a superhero.
Other times, all logic and reason goes out the window and we become the parent we definitely do not want to be!
Instead of being proactive and anticipating potential trouble, we react.
If you’re tired, hungry, stressed or otherwise not 100%, let the errands wait.
Play with your child, do some yoga, call a friend or just get something to eat, whatever it takes to bring you back to your best parenting self.
3. Get the kids involved.
It may sound alien to some parents, but you can actually ask your kids to help you with the errands.
For example, at the grocery store you can give them choices for the food you buy or give them their own little list to follow to help you out.
This is a great way to help kids learn the value of money, too.
If there’s really nothing they can do to help, distract them with conversation.
Point out interesting things in your surroundings.
By engaging your child in the process, whatever their age, you will make the outing easier and more pleasant for both of you.
4. Combine your errands with fun stuff.
Take them to a park or a coffee shop as part of the outing, or take them to the library to choose books.
Grab a cookie at the bakery on your way to the dry cleaner.
There are many fun things you can do when you’re out together.
No fun stuff to do while you’re out?
Then make them a deal and find something fun to do at home when you’re done with your errands.
For example, “After we go grocery shopping we’ll come home and make cookies. You can decorate them. What color do you want the frosting to be?”
5. Learn their best time of day.
Are you a morning person or an evening person? What about your child?
Find their best time of the day, and wherever possible run your errands when they’re generally happy and well behaved.
It’ll make the errand running adventure so much more fun!
Running errands with kids is a challenge.
However, it’s a challenge that can be managed with a little forethought and planning.
Stay sane, plan ahead and you’ll both be a lot happier.
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