The Frugal Family: When Shopping and Kids Don't Mix

As a parent, the idea of visiting a store or shopping mall in person is more of a source of stress than a pastime for me. I try to keep a list of items I need to purchase but, in my rush to get out the door with my kid and his diaper bag in tow, I often forget the list at home. Once in the store, I wait in long lines brooding over the lack of open registers while my three year-old tries to climb the shelves or hide under clothing racks. I don't want to lose my place in line and make the trip take even longer, but I just know that whole shelf is going to crash down on my kid's head if I don't do something STAT.

Add whispers and eye-rolling from the kid-less folks in line, and it's no wonder I avoid leaving the house.

Enter online shopping, the savior of my sanity.

Ever since my son mastered the art of walking on his own two feet, he has refused to sit in child seats and strollers. Not only does shopping online help me avoid the harrowing experience of dodging carts while trying to chase my son down and keep track of my cart and purse, but I am less likely to throw money away on items that were not on my list or in my budget. It's hard enough for an adult to resist impulse buying, but kids are completely unreasonable about their desires. Even now I can hear that little voice in my head whining "but I NEED it." Sure, I can tell him no, but then I'll be dealing with a tantrum that has the whole store thinking I flogged the poor dear (for the record, I'm totally against flogging!).

Parents don't always have the luxury of a babysitter. I am indeed one of those unlucky people. I also work a full time job and frankly don't want to give up the limited amount of time I have to spend with my son in the evenings and on weekends. In order to keep my child and myself out of stores, I've become a die-hard fan of internet shopping. I can still take advantage of coupons thanks to websites like our lovely Savings.com, and there is less chance of my child's desires affecting the final tab.

Online shopping is more than a convenience; it's a necessity for families with limited time, money, and/or patience. Isn't that *every* parent out there?

What strategies do you employ when shopping with kids?  Please share them with us in the comments!

Crystal Ritchie lives and blogs in San Francisco with her preschooler son Jack and her partner in crime/fiance David. She loves to share stories, tips, and tricks related to the parenting gig. When she is not parenting, writing as the San Francisco City Guide Editor for Savvy Source and on her personal blog, Ewokmama.com, or scoping out awesome deals, she can be found working at a software company in her favorite city.