We’ve all been there–Mama has errands to run and the crew has to tag along. I’m told that I’m blessed that I’m able to bring my children with me when we need to get out.
But yesterday my children really impressed me.
We’ve had company all week, our schedule was thrown off, plus the end of the week is always a little nuts, so yes, the day was insane.
We started off with an appointment at the chiropractor.
Then we drove about an hour to our favorite shop to trade in some cloth diapers for new ones that will fit my growing boy.
Somewhere we squeezed in lunch.
Then we rushed back to our neck of the woods for another appointment.
Around this time the children were getting restless and forgetting their manners.
An hour later, we were back in the van where we had to have a little chat about behavior in public places.
After everyone pulled themselves together (including mama), we came back to town where we had to take the van in for service. The children waited patiently for about 30 minutes in the seating area.
Immediately following, we had to drive to a 2nd service station to get a tire patched and waited another 45 minutes.
The day was busy but as I took a moment to breathe, I looked up at my children and realized that I am truly blessed.
It had been a long day, I was exhausted, the baby wanted to settle down for a nap, but my children were all busy with some kind of activity without complaint.
I even snapped a picture.
It doesn’t always go this smoothly, so I’m eager to know…
How do you occupy your little ones?
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Great post! I try and keep my little ones busy too! I bring crayons, color books, and if we are at the grocery store I let Maddy help me pick things out- it keeps her busy! 🙂
Ashley, I’ve given my children tasks such as “look out for (insert item here)” and it was like a treasure hunt! LOL And when we’re at the grocery store, I tell them to look at the price tags and figure out the best value. That can keep ’em occupied for quite awhile!
We always make sure to have a snack and drink available because a hungry kid is a grouchy kid!
Wise words, SewJacki, wise words!
In the grocery store I usually need two carts since I try to shop for several weeks out. My biggers are helpers, and one of them usually pushes the littles in the other cart. They all like that. Also, when we are at the bulk food store, there are kiddie sized carts. My smaller ones like to push those and help with gathering groceries. Often the older ones also have their homeschool clipboards with them if we’ll be in the waiting room somewhere. Lots of times we hit the library first. Then they have “new” books to look at. Etch-a-sketch and similar toys are wonderful, too!
Rachel, those are great ideas! We like to buy a bunch of groceries at one time as well (which reminds me, I’m posting a bulk cooking post soon!)
We love and use activity cards like these https://tiny.cc/33c4cw. There are more, too. We punch holes in them and put them on rings (separate a pack into two or three or … depending on number of children) and attach a dry erase marker or crayon with a string to the ring.
Those look like great books!!
Sara, thanks for sharing this encouraging post with us at The Becoming Kitchen. Look for your feature this Friday!
Running errands with little ones is such a challenge isn’t it?! I have four children, and when we’re out most of the day running, I need a nap more than they do! I do try to pack snacks, and not to go during anyone’s nap time, but sometimes life happens and it doesn’t work out! Thanks for sharing, I will be back!:)
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I loved your post Sara just being able to get a glimpse into your day. My children are grown but I am thankful to live it over again through grandchildren. Grandma’s definitely go at a slower pace than young moms :). I am featuring your post at the link up this week. Sending you a hug to you today 🙂 – Much love, ~Marci
As long as I have snacks my kids are happy. They are always eating.