10 Advantages of Taking Your Children to the Store

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Updated: Sep. 17, 2020

Originally Published: June 30, 2014

Venturing out of the house without your children can be a rare treat for parents. Often, these moments of solitude occur only during specific errands, like a quick trip to the hair salon. However, more frequently, parents find themselves accompanied by their little ones, especially on visits to the local all-in-one store, where everything from clothing to groceries can be found.

Children often enjoy these shopping trips, and familiarity breeds comfort. Regular visits mean that store employees often recognize your family, creating a sense of community. To make these outings sound more exciting, I’ve taken to calling the store “Disneyland,” hoping to impress other parents when I announce, “Hey kids! Let’s go to Disneyland!”

While the store can be a source of joy for little ones, it can also present challenges. The chaos of shopping can be amplified by parenting woes—lost snacks, sibling squabbles, or general toddler tantrums can turn a simple trip into a significant undertaking. If you’re hesitating about bringing your children along, consider these ten compelling reasons to pack them up and head out:

1. Opportunity for Self-Dialogue: Shopping alone can feel isolating, but with kids in tow, you can express your thoughts aloud without raising eyebrows. Your kids provide the perfect cover for your musings, turning what might seem eccentric into a parenting moment.
2. Playtime in the Toy Aisle: The toy section becomes an impromptu playground. While kids explore, you can indulge in some light-hearted fun—swinging plastic swords or testing out talking toys—without feeling out of place.
3. Free Samples Galore: Who doesn’t love a good sample? You can ask for multiple tastings for your kids (and maybe a few for yourself) while you navigate the aisles.
4. Practice Self-Control: Managing children’s behavior in public requires patience. You’ll develop better self-restraint as you handle potential meltdowns and the chaos that can ensue.
5. Teaching Budgeting Lessons: Shopping together allows you to instill lessons about frugality. Explaining why a generic brand is the smarter choice can be a valuable lesson for young minds.
6. Avoiding Home Boredom: Getting out of the house is beneficial for everyone. Instead of inventing elaborate indoor activities, a trip to the store serves as an entertaining outing that sparks curiosity.
7. A Break from Home Clutter: Stepping away from the chaos of toys strewn across your home can feel refreshing. Store aisles offer a clean and organized environment, a stark contrast to the playtime mess.
8. Enjoying Climate Control: For those of us sensitive to heat, an air-conditioned store provides a much-needed escape during hotter days. The cool atmosphere can instantly improve moods for both parents and children.
9. Front-of-the-Line Advantages: If your children start to fuss, most people in line will gladly let you go ahead, preferring not to endure the sounds of tantrums.
10. Praise When They’re Behaving: When your children are well-behaved, you may receive compliments from strangers, boosting your confidence as a parent. But be warned; these kind words might tempt you to hand over babysitting duties to the next person who asks!

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Summary

Taking your kids to the store can be beneficial for both you and them. It provides opportunities for communication, play, and learning, while also allowing you to escape the clutter of home and enjoy a change of scenery. Plus, navigating the challenges of shopping with children can ultimately strengthen your parenting skills.