Tips on Running Errands with Kids
Thank you to Gerber Good Start for sponsoring today’s post and helping this mom run errands easier.
Before I had kid #2, getting out the door and running errands was doable. Not always a blast, but very doable with only one boy. Now, trying to attempt this with two kids has become challenging to say they least. Everyone needs their things, like my oldest needs sunglasses and the baby….well he needs toys, diapers, change of clothes, etc. It’s never just a quick dash out and about town. So, through much trial and error…I have discovered a few tips on running errands with kids that helps keep them happy and me sane.
Tip #1: Plan To Succeed
The more prepared I am the more enjoyable the trip. I know I only have a few hours in the morning before the baby will fall asleep in the car. And once he’s done that it means no nap in the afternoon. So I organize my errands by priority. The most important is first on my list and then I work my way down. If the kids are running out of steam, I may save an errand for the next day. I also plan the night before by packing my diaper bag with everything I might need. I then hang it on the garage door so I’m ready to go in the morning.
Tip #2: Plan To Eat
Food and drinks are a MUST. I always pack some snacks and drinks to take along, especially in the summer. A few individually packed baggies of lil Beanies snacks (that I picked up at King Soopers), some fruit and a couple sippy cups full of juice is usually all I need to keep everyone happy and away from “hangry land”! 😉 I even pack me a water bottle or run through a Starbucks drive-thru for a quick caffeine pick-me up. Hey, this mamma needs her special juice too. 😉
Tip #3. Plan Some Fun
I remember running errands with my mom, it was never my favorite thing to do as a child. But errands are part of everyday life, so I try to add some fun into the trips if I can. Sometimes just adding a different toy in the car, taking a different route so we can wave at the cows, or even singing songs in the car as we cruise along. These little extras don’t cost a dime and they can help keep the mood in the car happy and pleasant.
One last bonus tip, don’t forget to pack your patience and sense of humor.
Kids can be unpredictable no matter how much planning and preparing we do. Every now and then I just wave the white flag and remind myself…there’s a tomorrow coming. But most of the time these tips have made all the difference!
Good tips! I never really minded running errands with my kids. I guess as a working Mom, I didn’t have that much time with them, so I had to make the best of it. Plus mine were spaced pretty far apart, so I could have one of the older ones run around and grab stuff for me while I could entertain the toddler. I remember he was so dang cute – he would flirt with all the old ladies. Once there was an old guy with one of those scooters and he absolutely demanded a ride on it, which he was delighted to do. My kids weren’t especially shy! Now that they’re grown, I sure miss those days,
Great tips! To add to #3, when kids are old enough, scavenger hunts are a great way to keep little ones occupied. Before my daughter could read I’d give her picture scavenger hunts of things to look for when we were in the store – worked like a charm!
Running errands with kids is so unpredictable! Having snacks on hand is a very good thing I’ve learned. 😉 Thanks for joining the Family Joy linky party!
Good tips Laura for us grandmother’s too.
Thanks for these tips! I used to be someone who ran out the door with no prep, but I’m learning to change my ways now that I have a little guy…Preparing the night before is so smart! I’ll remember that when I have more than one.
I have recently started waiting until my husband is off of work to run errands so he can keep the kiddos. My 8 year old is fine, but doing anything that requires concentration with my 1 year old is almost impossible. Luckily, my husband is off every other Friday so I am able to save most of my big errands until then. These are really great tips though for when the sweet & rowdy toddler needs to tag along 🙂
Building in fun and snacks is a great idea~ Thanks for sharing with us on Throwback Thursday!
Mollie
Thanks for the tips! I was so used to packing my schedule tight and running from one errand to the next. Now that I have a two-month old it’s almost impossible without help, organization and a little luck. Will start prepping bags and lists the day before as you suggested. 🙂