Shopping with 3 Kids Age 3 and Under

Residual pregnancy hormones are the most plausible culprit for my recent decision to bring my three kids, ages three and under with me to the store.  In their entire life existence, I have never attempted this feat with my twins.  One would deduce, adding a two month old baby to the equation is the perfect reason to never take on the challenge. Yet in my post-pregnancy hormone induced haze, I endeavored the impossible.

I unloaded the stroller, baby, twins and overflowing 20 pound diaper bag out of the mini-van.  The baby was sleeping and the twins held on to either side of the stroller.  We accomplished our first task of walking through the parking lot without any complications.  I thought to myself, “This is easy.  Why did I avoid this for the past three years?”

Only a few steps inside the department store, my precocious daughter (age 3 going on 30) stopped to admire the dresses.  I paused, enjoying this mother/daughter moment and then realized my son was gone.  As if on cue, my baby woke up from her sleep and initiated an ear-piercing newborn- baby cry.  I inhaled deeply and told myself, “You have to remain calm.  Your first priority is to find your son.  How far could he have gone?” 

The rows of clothes felt like a maze of mirrors at an amusement park.  My newborn baby’s cries increased with both intensity and volume.  With each second passing, my panic level rose.  What if someone kidnapped him? What if he is hurt? After my fourth time going up and down the aisle where he was last seen, I walked towards the customer service desk.  Before reaching my destination, I saw my son standing by himself.  I squeezed him with all my might.  I thought to myself, “Next time I go shopping with my kids, they will be ages 30 and up!”

About the Author

Cheryl Maguire graduated from Boston College with a bachelor and master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. Prior to becoming a mom, she worked as a counselor in a variety of settings helping children and their families. One of her stories was published in the book “It’s Twins!” by Susan Heim. She currently runs a web site (http://www.swapsavers.com) which is a social network for people who love coupons, rewards and savings. Cheryl lives in Massachusetts with her husband, Bob and her boy/girl twins, Logan and Lindsay and their sister Julia.

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