Why do whole families grocery-shop together?

[Anonymous]

We do it. Many times because we like to go together, especially when the baby was young, grocery shopping was ACTUALLY an excuse to get out of the house! Sometimes its just because we're stopping on the way home from somewhere else.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We do it. Many times because we like to go together, especially when the baby was young, grocery shopping was ACTUALLY an excuse to get out of the house! Sometimes its just because we're stopping on the way home from somewhere else.

I remember that feeling! about once a month we will go as an entire family and probably look stressed out, but as it is now, my kids think we just "run errands", so we try to teach them about food, diet, budget, etc...and the time I get to spend with my kids is precious ...so yup, we do look stressed out so sorry if it gets in your way...where are your kids???

[Anonymous]

Isn't Peapod worth the 5 bucks? Holy crap!

[Anonymous]

Because I want DS to understand where we buy our food.

[Anonymous]

I take the kids because I really have no choice. Plus, I do like them to see where we get our food and it's a great language experience.

Yes, sometimes there are bad times to go. ie: when the store is mobbed full of crazy pre or post holiday people. Or when we are tired and hungry. We try to plan accordingly and take preventive measures, but it doesn't always work out perfectly.

I make a list. I give ideas of things we need for the oldest (3) to look out for and put in the cart for me. We eat before we shop to avoid crabby hungry shopping. We try to go through as quickly as possible. Will there be the occasional meltdown or tantrum? Will I get frustrated once in a while? Most likely. It happens. Going anywhere with kids can be like that. But I don't want to be locked in the house until they are 18 and neither do they.

[Anonymous]

I am surprised that hardly anyone has anything positive to say!

We have precious little time together as a family, and sometimes they coincide with a need for a Whole Foods run. No one runs or screams or chides, and the oldest is happy to participate.

I also go without DH but with my two children: my 5 year old likes to put the entire cartful carefully on the mat, and run to the other end to bag (careful with the eggs!).

Make it fun!

[Anonymous]

DH, DS(7) and I often hit the grocery store together to pick up a few things on the weekend, and we always have. Granted, DS has always been "easy," low energy and verbal so it's been pretty pain-free all these years, even in toddler-hood.

To answer OP's question, we go as a group to get everyone's input on meal planning, and because we were out together already on foot.

[Anonymous]

Be glad the whole family plus some extended family members don't crowd around the baggage carousel "helping" spot luggage at the airport.

[Anonymous]

DD and I frequently go together on off-peak times during the week to grab lunch and/or pick up a few little things. It is almost always a positive experience for us.

We all go as a family when we are having a relaxing weekend and aren't rushing around to get a gazillion errands run (divide & conquer). Again we try to go when it's first open (hate crowds) and it's almost always a positive experience for all of us.

That is, when we do have the time to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. Unfortunately, we've been too busy in the past month or so to do that.

[Anonymous]

Dh, dd and I go together once a month because it's fun. I feel I'm teaching DD how to shop and budget and DH comes to have imput on our meals. i'm sorry for others who don't enjoy this time together - I remember going foodshopping with my mother as a treat.

[Anonymous]

My dad always took me to Sam's and left my brothers at home growing up. It was kind of our thing. I still go with him when I visit because it's time away from the rest of the family. Sometimes families just need time together. I do think children need to be well trained on outing etiquette first however.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:1. because we are a family, and families tend to do things together. Not always grocery shopping, not every week, but often.
2. because some children enjoy it
3. because some of us want our kids to know what errands are and to take part in shopping (and preparing) food.

Seriously, OP, why in the world do you care?

I'm 100% with this PP! I think it is a nice family event. It actually goes faster because we divide and conquer. Our kids love it and it is a part of our routine. It's also a good time for the kids to pick out their lunch and snack foods for school. I hate giving them foods for lunch that they do not eat. And when they are at the store, they can actually pick from what they see for variety.

I would like to hear why OP thinks this is not a desired situation in order to get some perspective.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, if you have convinced even one family not to do this, you have done us all a public service, IMHO. I have always wondered the same thing, too.

This is just a plain weird response. What is wrong with you??? Seriously. I feel sorry for your kids for the type of controlled existence they must have.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Grocery store is bad enough. But, for the love of God, can you families of 12 please stay out of my Costco! Free samples do not equal free lunch for your entire clan.

You're an asshole in person too, right?

Just checking. The people on this thread complaining should probably all hang out and be jerks together.

It is really strange that there are people out there who think it is unacceptable for families to shop together. REALLY EFF'ING ODD!!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We do it. Many times because we like to go together, especially when the baby was young, grocery shopping was ACTUALLY an excuse to get out of the house! Sometimes its just because we're stopping on the way home from somewhere else.

This.
I personally grocery shopping as a family. I really do. Sorry if you all find it strange.