Giving your Kids a Task can Keep Grocery Shopping Sane
In my last Ragu Giveaway Post I asked the question – What are your biggest grocery store survival tips? I loved some of the answers you guys shared with me and am highlighting some of my favorites here!
While you’re browsing through the featured responses, check out what these mom’s had to say when Ragu asked them Do You Take Your Kids to the Grocery Store? I’ll admit – most of the time we go shopping as a family. It leads to some interesting (and sometimes frustrating) conversations with grocery-store strangers asking inappropriate questions. But usually our experiences are positive.
I’ll also admit to finding it slightly exhilarating when I’m able to sneak away to the store ALL ALONE and leave my husband home with the minions. It’s odd how exciting that 20 minute trip to the store feels to me. Can I get an “Amen!” from someone?
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JIA52IbeZvQ[/youtube]
Featured Reader Answers!
Maximizing Your Time Responses
“Know the store layout and the least busy times to go and always have a plan/list to go off of!” ~ Ashley
“I make a detailed list before I go, and I even have a map of the store so I know what order to write the items on the list. It makes things go a lot smoother.” ~Mami2jcn @mami2jcn
Kids or No Kids at the Grocery Store Answers
From @MommyNamedApril “Ultimate survival tip? Go after the kids are in bed 
If you can’t manage that, then definitely keep an organized list and give the kids grocery store missions to keep them occupied.
But seriously. Don’t bring the kids.”
“My best survival tip is to never, ever buy the children anything when they ask for it. If you do, they’ll never stop bothering you again. If you make them get used to be deprived, they’re content to just watch the wheels on the cart roll by.” ~ Cindy @getalonghome
Saving Money at the Grocery Store
“I’m sure this is not a surprise… but I do better at teh store when I go with a list and have at least looked at the sales sheet before hand. I also try really hard to stay out of the center of the store where the things I tend to buy on impulse are.” ~Katie Howard
“My survival trips for the grocery store? Always come with a list prepared, and always shop the outside aisles making sure you are picking up “real food” that is minimally processed!” ~Becky @beckyjwebb
“My tip for grocery shopping is to know your store’s coupon policy so that you can be prepared to defend yourself if ever you are challenged.” ~ Jenn
“My tip for the grocery store is never go shopping when your stomach is growling, and also, look for the “clearanced prices” on meat, they usually are marked half off just becuase they need to be out of the store by a certain date. But once frozen, it will last.” ~Kim C @xxkimhcxx
“To survive the grocery store I first plan my menu for the week. Then I make a list of all ingredients and everything I need from the store. I typically make my list by aisle so everything goes as quickly as possible.” ~ Lolli @1momof5
My favorite reader-submitted comment covers ALL these areas and presents the absolute best-case scenario for grocery shopping success!
“My grocery store trips are the most effective & best survived when:
1. I have a list (even better if I’m able to take the time to write my list in the general layout of the store – the order of the departments & aisles where the items are in the store).
2. I’ve pulled out the coupons I want to use ahead of time.
3. I bring only the cash I can spend for that trip. (cuts down on impulse buying)
4. I go during a non-busy time.
5. I’m alone (no kids or husband).
This does NOT happen every time I go grocery shopping. There’s usually some combination of those five things happening, but ALL five happening at the same time probably only happens about once every 3-4 months!” ~ @JustMalia
Sounds like grocery heaven to me! What does your ultimate grocery shopping trip look like?
I am a Ragu Mom’s the Word Brand Ambassador and these tips are priceless!
