Running errands with kids is a challenge we all know too well. While it might seem like every task is a potential disaster, I’ve compiled a list of the top 15 worst errands to undertake with little ones in tow.
15. Clothing Shopping
Navigating the world of clothes shopping with kids can feel like a test of endurance. Whether it’s swimsuits or undergarments, fitting rooms become chaotic zones. Even if you grab a few items quickly, the clock starts ticking down as soon as you enter. Before you know it, someone’s throwing a tantrum, or the baby has lost their beloved pacifier.
14. Getting an Oil Change
What toddler wouldn’t be thrilled by a magazine dedicated to tires? Sitting in a waiting room filled with hard candies and a TV blaring racing is not exactly a recipe for peace and quiet. The oil change might take 30 minutes, but it feels like an eternity when you’ve got restless kids.
13. Visiting the Gift Shop
Gift shops are a minefield filled with pricey toys and fragile items. Picture this: the baby is drawn to the glass figurines, and your toddler is set on leaving with a cat calendar. Before you know it, you’re managing chaos while trying to keep everything intact.
12. The Pharmacy
Pharmacies are notorious for long waits, especially when you’re in a hurry. When your quick errand turns into a drawn-out ordeal, hungry and tired kids can make the experience unbearable. Sneaking off to the grocery section for some snacks seems like the only option to restore sanity.
11. The Dry Cleaners
The moment you think you’ve got it all together, your toddler makes a break for it. You’re left juggling freshly pressed clothes and a baby, sprinting out to catch the little escape artist. By the time you’re back in the car, you realize you’ve forgotten your wallet.
10. Doctor’s Appointments
Waiting rooms can feel like a black hole of time, especially when surrounded by restless little ones. After what feels like forever, you finally get into an exam room, only to face even more challenges as your kids transform the space into a playground.
9. Taking the Pets to the Vet
As if you weren’t already juggling enough, adding a pet into the mix can lead to pure chaos. Carrying an excited dog while holding onto a toddler and a baby is neither fun nor easy. Public outings become a test of patience.
8. Home Improvement Store Visits
While the wide aisles may seem inviting, they can quickly turn into a disaster zone. From spills to mishaps, a simple trip for paint can escalate into a series of unfortunate events, especially when toddlers and tools are involved.
7. The DMV
The Department of Motor Vehicles is notoriously taxing, and adding kids to the mix only amplifies the stress. You’ll definitely want to mentally prepare for this one.
6. Toy Store Trips
Once you have kids, toy stores become battlegrounds. Just when you think you’ve distracted your toddler from that shiny new toy, they spot the toy aisle, and your shopping mission is doomed.
5. Your Own Doctor’s Appointments
You arrive on time, but the doctor is delayed, leading to a frantic search for snacks as your kids grow increasingly restless. By the time you leave, you’re just hoping for a long break before your next appointment.
4. Lunch Meetings
In an effort to save time, you bring snacks for your kids, but once the food arrives, they’re already done eating. What starts as a simple meeting quickly devolves into a chaotic scene that’s impossible to manage.
3. Grocery Shopping
The grocery store is a labyrinth of potential meltdowns. With limited cart options, you’re left praying your baby stays seated while your toddler demands every snack in sight. You might end up with a cart full of treats—and forget the milk entirely.
2. Bank Visits
Even with a double stroller, a trip to the bank can turn into a disaster. The sight of hard candies sends your kids into a frenzy, and before you know it, you’re dealing with a full-blown meltdown.
1. The Post Office
Needing to send a gift in a hurry? The post office is where dreams go to die. Forgetting essentials like the address leads to chaos as you try to manage both kids while handling your errand.
In sum, running errands with children can be a demanding experience. From clothing stores to the DMV, each outing has its own set of challenges that test your patience and creativity. For more insights into navigating parenthood, check out our blog post about home insemination. And if you’re exploring options for starting a family, Make a Mom offers great resources on home insemination kits. Additionally, Cleveland Clinic has valuable information on intrauterine insemination.
Summary
Running errands with kids can be overwhelming, with certain tasks proving more challenging than others. From clothing shopping to post office trips, every outing presents unique hurdles. It’s essential to be prepared and patient, keeping in mind that chaos often accompanies these necessary tasks.