There are a few ways to avoid in-store meltdowns, let Walmart Online Grocery Pickup Service be one of them.
The day started off like any ordinary day, but I have to admit that it was entirely my fault. It was almost dinnertime, and a few key ingredients were missing. Luckily for me, Walmart, my supermarket of choice, was close by. Unfortunately for me, Madison wanted to tag along. It had become the norm that whenever I go out that she would go with me. However, I knew what I was in store for. She hadn’t taken a nap, and we all know what can happen when kids don’t take a nap. They’re cranky and emotional, and just like Murphy’s Law, anything that can go wrong usually does.
We had just gotten out of the car and had made our way into the aisles when Madison decided that she wanted a particular brand of chip. I wasn’t there for chips, my plan was to get in and get out. A simple “no, not today”, turned into a full-on scream with a 2yr old on the floor, thrashing around like there was no tomorrow, and as my mother would say “had no home training”.
Talk about embarrassing! Not only could I not pretend that she wasn’t my child, which I really wanted to, but now total strangers were looking at us both, and I’m pretty sure they were whispering about me. What they were saying, I had no idea, and I didn’t want to find out. I wanted to drag her out of the store and disappear forever. However, that was not going to happen; instead, I grabbed the bag of chips and passed it along to her, and the tears immediately subsided. They sure know how to get their way in a crowded arena, don’t they? But guess what I learned that day? I learned how I could avoid embarrassing situations and meltdowns just like that.
If you currently have a little one, toddler, preschooler, or even a kindergartener (trust me, even at age 6, Madison still tries to act out in the store), here are four ways you can avoid it altogether.
1. Consider using Walmart’s Online Grocery Pickup service.
Now, if you decide to use this service, this would eliminate an in-store meltdown from even happening in the first place. With Online Grocery Pickup, you order your groceries online, and a personal shopper loads everything directly into your car when you get to your Walmart store. You – and most importantly, your children – don’t even have to get out of the vehicle, and if you are a first time user, you can use promo code WOWFRESH to receive $10 off your order.
2. Naps are important.
A tired child is a cranky child, as I found out most embarrassingly. Ensure that your child has had a nap and isn’t tired or worn out from the day’s activities. Being well-rested, while it doesn’t guarantee that a meltdown won’t happen, can at least give you some peace of mind that it will be easier to engage and reassure your child that everything will be ok, and it’s not the end of the world.
3. Do your grocery shopping late at night.
I realized a very long time ago that the best time to do my shopping was nearer to the store closing. This is now generally the only way my shopping gets done. Once Madison was fast asleep, I’d make a run to the grocery store. Not only is the grocery store less crowded, which ultimately means shorter lines, you’re also able to get in and get out much quicker.
4. If you can, leave them at home!
Now, this is one option that I have used over and over again. Unless no one at home could babysit Madison, I would ensure that she’s had a nap and was well rested before leaving the house. Now that she’s older, there are boundaries in place, and she’s advised that she’s only allowed one item while in the store. A meltdown means that she forfeits that item. However, leaving your child at home will prevent any meltdown from happening.
Now if only Walmart’s Online Grocery Pickup service was available all those years ago. It undoubtedly would have helped me avoid that embarrassing situation altogether.
How does it work?
It’s really simple. Simply log onto your computer, shop for the items you need, and you even get to choose a time and location that is convenient for you. A Walmart personal shopper will choose your items, and they always select the freshest items (or your money back is guaranteed). You will still get your products at the same everyday low prices, and your pickup is always free.
I would have been able to pull up with my vehicle, gotten my groceries, and left without even stepping foot into the store. Madison would not have been tempted, and my sanity would have been kept intact. This service is such a lifesaver for so many parents and one that I now use myself. It now means no impulse items or unnecessary bags of chips purchases ever. Don’t forget, if you’re a first time user, use promo code WOWFRESH and receive $10 off your order.
