Multitasking :: Mixing Shopping with Fun

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food shoppingBefore having children, I always loved the weekends where I could sleep late, go out for brunch, and spend the day leisurely shopping and completing errands. But now, three kids later, my weekends are very different.

There is definitely no sleeping in since I’m almost always woken up before the sun comes up. Breakfast is eaten very early, and half ends on my kitchen floor. Most weekends are packed with play dates, birthday parties, etc., mixed in with household chores and the need to complete at least two of the 50-plus things on my to-do list.

I now schedule most of my shopping online, at night, or when I can get someone to come and watch my kids. But sometimes, there are not enough hours in the day, and a shopping trip with the kiddos cannot be avoided.

So much thought and planning needs to go into leaving the house with three young children (especially a 3-year-old and 11-month-old twins). When is the best time to go? Will we be back in time for the next meal? Should I bring bottles and snacks? When can I fit in their naps? Who will have a tantrum today? And, how many people will look at me and state, “Wow, you have your hands full!”

Being a mother of multiples, I have learned that multitasking always helps get things done faster – not always better. I’ve found a few great shopping locations in Fairfield County where mommy can shop and get a few things checked off that to-do list, and the kiddos can play and have some fun.

Stew Leonard’s is known as “the world’s largest dairy store,” but in my house, it’s known as “the place with the cows and ice cream.” With two locations in FC, it’s a great place to take the kids and get a lot accomplished. Not only can you get your grocery shopping done, but you can also find great gift baskets and floral arrangements. The kids love it since there is so much to look at, and they always look forward to the free samples to gobble up as we make our way around the store. It’s also great to bribe them with ice cream and farm animals. And since I live a reasonable distance away, the Hoedown is a great place to grab lunch prior to shopping quickly.

Barnes and Noble in Westport is my go-to place to meet some of my mom friends when I reed to get out of the house. There is a train table with several “Thomas” trains for the little ones to play with, a new Lego table, and Starbucks coffee and treats for mommy. It is a perfect place to find a great book to read and grab great gifts, cards, and wrapping paper. They have a large selection of educational toys and games for kids, stationery, bags and totes, desk accessories, etc. It’s even better to go during one of their story times!

Giant Steps toy store in Fairfield is a hidden gem. It’s my go-to place for all those kiddie birthday parties we need to attend. It sounds crazy to bring children to a toy store, but this is no regular place. Fun interactive toys are placed around the store so kids can play while you shop. The store is set up so your children can explore, perform, pretend, build, and imagine. They also offer FREE weekly classes like music, storytime, and baby sign language.

When I need to go to multiple stores, I usually prefer shopping in many of our towns’ centers; however, on a recent rainy day, I ventured to the Danbury Fair Mall. I was super impressed with how family-friendly it was (they even had three private rooms just for nursing)! What should have taken about an hour or two ended up being an all-day affair, but I could bribe them with a stop at the food court and play area. There was even time for a carousel ride! Trumbull and Stamford also have great malls.

A bonus of these locations is that you are most likely to meet another busy mommy in the same situation as you. Where do you like to go shopping with the kids?

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Michelle
Michelle is the Owner and Editor of Fairfield County Mom and Westchester County Mom. She has spent her entire life in Fairfield County, growing up in Norwalk and now residing in Fairfield, CT. Michelle married her husband, Chris, in October 2008. Before motherhood, she thought she was busy, but now life with her son Shane (March 2011), twins, Blake and Brynn (June 2013), Hank the Lab, and Bruce the Frenchie; the meaning of hectic has been redefined! Michelle is also a working mom, teaching third grade at a local public school. When she’s not making lists, chauffeuring the kids, and doing laundry, Michelle enjoys standing along the sidelines cheering on her kids, lounging with a good book, eating dark chocolate, and sipping on some tequila.

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