Do you make your kids go along for this kind of errand?

[Anonymous]

If it's something like they need a dozen cupcakes for their sports team dinner, no I don't need him or want him at the grocery store with me. Some things are easier without a mopey teen who doesn't want to be there anyways.

[Anonymous]

Yes, I make her tag along if it's something she wants (shoes, clothes, etc.). If I'm buying socks or a toothbrush, then no.

[Anonymous]

Is it a last minute errand where the kid didn’t tell you he needs a specific item for school tomorrow? Then yeah, I’d have him come unless he’s busy with homework. Otherwise, I do errands at my convenience, which is usually when my kids are in school. I wouldn’t pull a kid out of school for shoe shopping.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Depends if I feel like I want a few minutes to myself or not. Also, if it's a last minute errand that is annoying to me, then they come.

This. I wouldn't make them come at my expense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Kid in question is 12, so unfortunately can't trade errands yet!

Yes they can. "I'll go get the tape you need, sure. You stay here and set the table for dinner and make the salad - cover the bowl and put it in the fridge when you finish."

+1.
I'll ask them to clean the bathroom, unload the dishwasher, help with the laundry etc. rather than have them tag along. I'd rather have them do something useful at home than sit like a slug in the car while I drive to/from the store.
The can also stay at home with younger siblings so I don't need to take him along.

[Anonymous]

No.

I don’t make them grocery shop with me just because they eat the food.

That is insane I can’t drag along kids on every tiny errand pretending it’s a teaching moment.

[Anonymous]

Never. Kid hates shopping and I don’t see any particular reason to drag him along. I have faith that when the time comes for him to go and buy shampoo, he’ll figure it out. There’s probably a YouTube video he can watch to learn.

[Anonymous]

Really depends what it is. They don’t enjoy shopping in general, neither does DH. I will buy them clothes, jackets, etc. DH usually takes them to buy shoes and sneakers. I guess they want to pick those out and try them on.

But no, I generally do not take them to run errands.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Kid in question is 12, so unfortunately can't trade errands yet!

Yes you can. My DS is 12 and runs to the corner store for items we need.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Kid in question is 12, so unfortunately can't trade errands yet!

Yes they can. "I'll go get the tape you need, sure. You stay here and set the table for dinner and make the salad - cover the bowl and put it in the fridge when you finish."

This is what we do - I typically make them come if it's something for them. If for some reason they can't - they do extra dog walking or dishes or something.

[Anonymous]

No! Why? Also don’t understand when people bring their partner (obviously I get it if both people want to go or it’s on the way to/from something else).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What kind of errand? Why are you being so vague.

Because it happens frequently. Specifics aren't important.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Kid in question is 12, so unfortunately can't trade errands yet!

Yes you can. My DS is 12 and runs to the corner store for items we need.

Not everyone has stores in walking distance.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Kid in question is 12, so unfortunately can't trade errands yet!

Yes you can. My DS is 12 and runs to the corner store for items we need.

Our nearest grocery store is 5 miles away, but ok.

The one that annoyed me most recently was needing markers for a project that night. I was lonely and made him come.

[Anonymous]

Yes, always.