Friday, June 20, 2008

Grocery Shopping

I am never going grocery shopping again. Ever. We're all just going to starve to death because I am never ever ever doing it again no matter what. It's just not worth it. I come home exhausted, frustrated, angry, defeated and embarrassed. Ugh.

The problem is not having 3 kids under 4. Or having a baby. Or that the cheap grocery store doesn't have the kind of jam the kids like. It's Asher. He is just so defiant. It doesn't matter how "ready" I am with a good attitude, bribes, a plan, whatever. He always gets me in the end. He plows his arm down shelves and knocks everything off. He sits down in the middle of the aisle when I say, too impatiently and for the 800th time, "Come on, Asher." He doesn't care if I am anywhere in sight. He wanders off or he just doesn't keep up. He refuses to sit in the cart or in the car carts. When I put him in the basket as punishment for whatever he shoves Isaiah's head into the metal bar. AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!

By the time we get home I am basically throwing the groceries into the cabinets and fridge because I am so frustrated. I have just used up all my patience for the day in one 30 minute grocery shopping trip. That's right - 30 minutes. So it's not like I'm dragging him down every single aisle. I know the store well and we only go where we need to. And I don't stand there deciding what to get - I know ahead of time. Maybe two seconds to scan which brand is on sale, but that's it.

I am so frustrated that I am so frustrated. I don't know what to do. So I really may never go grocery shopping again. There is a store that delivers around here. It's hard to get everything I want that way and it's more expensive- but I guess shopping with Asher is even harder. He wins. I loose. Game over.

8 comments:

Jenny said...

This is precisely why I do my grocery shopping at 9pm. Dad's home, I put the kids to bed and head out, and it's the quietest part of my day. Yeah, I may be tired, and the fluorescent lighting by night only makes my eyes bleed more, and I'm too tired to want to put the groceries away at 10pm, but I think I'd take tired over frustrated any day of the week. Might I suggest you try the same tactic?

Jessica said...

What about shopping at night without the kids? or on saturday? I'm sure Richard would rather watch the kids than starve?

angela michelle said...

Oh Nancy I'm so sorry you had another terrible shopping trip! You used to have FUN taking your kids on errands! It sounds like you definitely do need a new plan. You could give up, like Jenny and Jessica say. Or you could do the positive discipline thing where you take him in and if he doesn't follow certain rules you take him back out. Maybe in 6 months he'll be over this stage? I don't know, but I think you're right that you shouldn't try to do this anymore in this way.

Rebecca said...

I hate grocery shopping with just one kid.

(And the 9 p.m. option doesn't work as dad doesn't get home till 9 or 10.)

I live for Saturday morning...

Elieson Family said...

I can sympathize.
Occasionally I'll find a cart at stores that will hold 3 children, but one for 4? Haven't come across it. And my trouble-maker right now is John. Ben runs away sometimes though. This is bad because it scares the petudy out of me.
I usually have John sit in the basket part to begin with and give him responsibilities so he feels he is helping. But that's what motivates him to cooperate. And like was suggested earlier, I too like to head out for just a few token items at night when the kids are in bed. It is such a pleasant experience!
Bringing along a dum-dum or the like might be a help "Sit in the basket, be a good boy, and I'll give you a lolly" But every kid is different, good luck! And again, I totally hear ya - happens every time with me too - EVERY FLIPPIN' TIME!

erica said...

i love Nancy. delivery one week, Richard the master sitter the next...at least for about...16 years. good luck...I'm sure my time will come. you're a trooper.

Jolie said...

I agree with shopping late at night or Sat. morning. I used to go out Sat. morning early, go by my favorate cafe, treat myself to a hot chocolate and then off to the grocery store, sipping as I strolled the aisles. Just remember, the little things that keep your sanity are often lifesavers. From experience, this time will pass soon, just endure and enjoy the peaceful moments.

Chaotic Joy said...

Boy have I been there!

You know you are a mom when a trip to the grocery store alone feels like a vacation. I agree, try to find time to do this on your own. Late in the evening. Early Saturday morning. Sunday afternoon. You will be amazed how just being able to compare brands of jelly makes you feel all extravagant. :)