Comments on: CVSing With Children

By: Rebekah

Rebekah — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 13:59:07 +0000

These are great tips! I have only once or twice ventured to CVS with both my small boys. I decided that for my sanities sake it’s much better to have someone go with me, but with some of these tips, I might actually try it again!

By: Jenn

Jenn — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 23:15:27 +0000

I carry my 6 month old in a sling with my coupons and notebook in the cart. My girl and I talk and look together. Last week, I took so long, I ran into a nursing time. She got fussy. I went back to the pharmacy waiting area. They had a back massager set up in one of the seats. I got a massage while she nursed. Then I got all my free stuff!

By: MamaToo

MamaToo — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 15:17:13 +0000

great tips, as usual. I hadn’t thought of tic-tacs, but it’s a great way to give “candy,” which we normally avoid.

I am not familiar with CVS – perhaps I can scan through your posts and figure out why you get things for free there?

By: Curly Haired Girl

Curly Haired Girl — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 19:56:50 +0000

Love the Tic Tac tip! I’m going to try this tomorrow on our CVS run.

By: Jenni

Jenni — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:49:55 +0000

Excellent tips! Although I still prefer to go at night when my husband can stay with the kids! Four is a bit more difficult to manage in narrow aisles!

By: Becky

Becky — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:23:43 +0000

Speaking of frugality…Barbara Curtis just put up an amazing sale deal on her website. Buy three books (at $10 each) and get one free, with flat-rate shipping of $3 no matter how many books you get. I know you were eyeing some of her books, and now would be the best deal to get them. I plan on ordering a whole bunch for upcoming baby showers.

By: warillever

warillever — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 17:40:45 +0000

Very thorough!

By: Amy Jane (Untangling Tales)

Amy Jane (Untangling Tales) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:21:41 +0000

(Cont: Realized your comment form doesn’t like the less-than sign)

My less-than 2-y-o gets to learn from his sisters the much-less tangible parts of rules.

Any infraction of these results in being buckled in the cart seat for their time-out (which is made more torturous by running-around sibs).

When all else fails (though I’ve not yet had to invoke this cure-all) there’s the men’s underwear aisle: It’s the quietest corner in the store (especially the time of day we shop) and a great place to re-center or fix an attitude if one’s not interested in the bathroom for that.

Of course, not all stores are equipped this way.

Great list. I love the having unlimited snacks and your own candy for the candy aisle.

Another thing thing that’s useful is that I’ll say, “Not today,” or “Not this time,” instead of “No” or even “later” (which implies a promise).

My oldest has always been submissive (in this area) and her two younger sibs have picked it up from her. *Very* pleasant, and a nice way to see how early consistency can pay off greater (and sooner) than you think.

Okay, I’ll quit now. ;o)

By: Amy Jane (Untangling Tales)

Amy Jane (Untangling Tales) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:18:41 +0000

Hee hee! Okay, I’ll try again.

Three main rules:
1. Running in empty aisles is encouraged (we tend to shop in less-populous times, and being able to run makes shopping a delight), but they may not cross an “intercection” without me.

2. Stay where you can see Mama (usually resulting in my being able to see them)

3. Obey at once if Mother says to stand or come.

Any infraction of these results in being buckled in the cart seat for their time-out (which is made more torturous by running-around sibs).

My 3 and 5 y-o are both well-trained so my

By: Kelly

Kelly — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 15:11:14 +0000

Those are all really great ideas. I never go shopping with the kiddos by myself (hubby does the shopping), but I am sure I will at some point and I’ll be sure and use some of your ideas.