By: Lucas Thompson
Updated: Dec. 5, 2019
Originally Published: Jan. 14, 2018
The other day, I found myself in the car with all three kids while my partner, Sarah, ran into Costco for a quick shopping trip. As expected, I was muttering under my breath, feeling as though I had spent a significant portion of my life as a dad just sitting in this van, listening to the chorus of complaints from the backseat while Sarah disappeared into a store that always seemed to have more than just a “few things” on her list. It felt like I was trapped in a small enclosure with a bunch of wild monkeys, with remnants of snacks scattered around me.
As the kids clamored for snacks, begged to unbuckle, or asked if they could join their mother, my mind wandered back to the last time I took all three of them shopping. I realized two things: it was an absolute nightmare, and it had only been a week since that chaotic outing.
Don’t get me wrong — I adore my kids. But let’s face it, shopping solo with three little ones is a relentless cycle of requests, tantrums, and sticky fingers. It’s not uncommon to see a parent, usually a mother, in any grocery store struggling to keep her little ones in check, with one child in the cart and the others trailing behind, all while trying to decipher a shopping list on her phone.
In reality, I find myself visiting gas stations, grocery stores, banks, and a myriad of other places alone far more often than Sarah does. Shopping with our trio is a rarity for me, occurring only once or twice a week. But for Sarah, a part-time educator and full-time caregiver, it’s the norm. So, when I take on the role of the babysitter in the van for 20 to 30 minutes, it’s a walk in the park compared to what she deals with regularly.
By watching the kids while Sarah shops, even just for a little bit, I’m providing her with a breath of fresh air — a rare moment to focus on her shopping without the constant pull of tiny hands and voices. It’s a chance for her to reclaim a part of her pre-kids self, to make thoughtful choices about what to buy without the chaos of children tugging at her attention.
I know there are many stay-at-home dads who experience this same scenario. If you find yourself in this situation, consider flipping the script and giving your partner the opportunity to shop solo.
Honestly, I’m not entirely sure how we always end up in these situations. Sometimes it would be easier for me to stay home with the kids while Sarah does the shopping. Other times, we might be out and about for unrelated errands and just have to pop into a store. Regardless of how it happens, it’s a situation that has existed for ages, and it seems unlikely to change anytime soon.
So, if you find yourself sitting in the car while your partner picks up a “few things,” I understand your irritation. I’ve been there countless times. But remember, what you’re doing is more beneficial for your parenting partnership than you might realize.
As I sat in the Costco parking lot, I watched Sarah return with not just a few items, but a cart brimming with everything from diapers to beverages. Once we loaded the van, and the kids finished their barrage of questions, Sarah let out a deep sigh of relief.
I turned to her and asked if she needed to stop anywhere else, which caught her off guard. She smiled and replied, “I need to swing by Target.”
With that, we pulled out of the parking lot and continued our day.
For more insights about navigating parenthood, check out this excellent resource on pregnancy and home insemination. And if you’re interested in home insemination kits, you can find valuable information here or check out the comprehensive 21-piece kit for everything you need.
Summary
In the hustle of parenting, waiting in the car while your partner shops can feel frustrating, but it’s a vital contribution to your family’s dynamics. Embracing this role not only offers your partner a moment of peace but reinforces the partnership you share.
Leave a Reply