Due to my hubby's work hours (long, unpredictable and often late), our lack of family in the area (currently we live 4+ hours from all family), and a tight budget (sitters=$) I have to run most errands with the girls in tow. Some days things get put off simply because I feel bad dragging them from place to place (usually not kid friendly/fun places), they are stuck in a stroller or cart, and it seems boring for them (often boring for me too, but hungry=food=grocery shopping).
But as a teacher, you learn to look for "teachable moments". Teachable moments are those times when things present themselves and even if you are detouring (majorly) from the lesson plan, it is worthwhile because of learning that is taking place. I taught h.s. English so it's a little different but the same idea applies to little ones. I started to try to make errands fun for the girls, or as much fun as you can make it. Tried to find things that we could learn from these trips (colors, letters, sounds, numbers).
First a few helpful hints.
1. Plan ahead- diapers changed (and double checked!), pack the car up ahead of time if possible, make your list in order of where you are going and what you need to get (include which coupons you have for which place). All makes it easier. Also go in order of importance in case you have to bail on your to do list early.
2. Don't go just before nap, meal or a time when you have rush out of the house as soon as your drop off the groceries. Go at a time that works for you and your kiddos. For us that's first thing after breakfast (if I organize the night before) or first thing after nap. Not that I always want to go out after nap (dinner isn't far off, the day is mostly over, traffic is picking up), but if it works best for the girls and they are happier at that time WE ALL WIN! Including the person behind you in the checkout line!
3. Pack snacks, or small toys to distract if needed (I only get this out if I have to).
4. Biggest of all-Include your kiddos. If they are older ask them to help find specific items, bag the groceries, help the little ones. Even if they can't help yet, ask them questions. My girls know so many more vegetables and fruits now. Since we aren't in a rush, we now do a lap around the produce section. "What kind of fruit is that?" "What color are the bananas?" "Should we get some carrots for dinner, who can point to the carrots?" Yes sometimes you look like a crazy person because your kids don't want to play this game, or they are still learning these things and it appears that you are having a conversation with yourself.
But I've realized that I don't really care what strangers think of me, and people that know me will think it's funny if they run into us at the store. I really try to make it so that I don't dread grocery shopping (specifically) and that running errands isn't so miserable. When there is no one in an aisle, I ask the girls "Should we go fast?" and they often answer "go go!" and we powerwalk quickly down the aisle with them giggling.
They aren't even two year and they already recognize lots of foods, a bunch of numbers and some letters. It's been pretty neat to see how much they pick up. I'm not going to credit all of that to our interactive shopping trips, and I can't always muster up the energy for all of that but it does seem to help and makes these things seem a little less daunting.
Hope it helps you too. :)
But as a teacher, you learn to look for "teachable moments". Teachable moments are those times when things present themselves and even if you are detouring (majorly) from the lesson plan, it is worthwhile because of learning that is taking place. I taught h.s. English so it's a little different but the same idea applies to little ones. I started to try to make errands fun for the girls, or as much fun as you can make it. Tried to find things that we could learn from these trips (colors, letters, sounds, numbers).
First a few helpful hints.
1. Plan ahead- diapers changed (and double checked!), pack the car up ahead of time if possible, make your list in order of where you are going and what you need to get (include which coupons you have for which place). All makes it easier. Also go in order of importance in case you have to bail on your to do list early.
2. Don't go just before nap, meal or a time when you have rush out of the house as soon as your drop off the groceries. Go at a time that works for you and your kiddos. For us that's first thing after breakfast (if I organize the night before) or first thing after nap. Not that I always want to go out after nap (dinner isn't far off, the day is mostly over, traffic is picking up), but if it works best for the girls and they are happier at that time WE ALL WIN! Including the person behind you in the checkout line!
3. Pack snacks, or small toys to distract if needed (I only get this out if I have to).
4. Biggest of all-Include your kiddos. If they are older ask them to help find specific items, bag the groceries, help the little ones. Even if they can't help yet, ask them questions. My girls know so many more vegetables and fruits now. Since we aren't in a rush, we now do a lap around the produce section. "What kind of fruit is that?" "What color are the bananas?" "Should we get some carrots for dinner, who can point to the carrots?" Yes sometimes you look like a crazy person because your kids don't want to play this game, or they are still learning these things and it appears that you are having a conversation with yourself.
But I've realized that I don't really care what strangers think of me, and people that know me will think it's funny if they run into us at the store. I really try to make it so that I don't dread grocery shopping (specifically) and that running errands isn't so miserable. When there is no one in an aisle, I ask the girls "Should we go fast?" and they often answer "go go!" and we powerwalk quickly down the aisle with them giggling.
They aren't even two year and they already recognize lots of foods, a bunch of numbers and some letters. It's been pretty neat to see how much they pick up. I'm not going to credit all of that to our interactive shopping trips, and I can't always muster up the energy for all of that but it does seem to help and makes these things seem a little less daunting.
Hope it helps you too. :)