To think that Xmas food shopping isn't a sodding family day out?

The place was absolutely rammed. It's 3 days before Christmas. Of course I would prefer my shopping trip to be easier. I'd also quite like not to have some kid nearly take me out with his swinging arms near the tills.

@Grammarnut the capital of England, so very much so.

Such a shame, why?

And that is exactly what is wrong with the modern world.

Yes, it is your responsibility to avoid stress and inconvenience to others. None of us can avoid it altogether, just by existing we are inconveniencing someone (eg the person who would like a house in our road, or wanted the car parking space we just got) but you don't deliberately set out to get in each others' way or annoy them.

Don't take your kids unless you have to.

If you are retired, don't go on Saturdays or lunchtimes.

Put your trolley away properly.

Don't faff at the self-scanners (or the staffed tills, come to that)

Don't block the aisles

Everyone is stressed and wants to be in and out quickly so I can see both sides it's not my responsibility to reduce the stress of others. If I need help with the shopping I need help with the shopping.

Why do you need help with your shopping?

If you do fair enough

Everyone is stressed and wants to be in and out quickly so I can see both sides it's not my responsibility to reduce the stress of others. If I need help with the shopping I need help with the shopping.

Just been to M&S for final food shop and the bloody place was over run with entire families shopping together. Just why? If the kids are old enough to be left then they shouldn't be traipsing around and getting in the way when the place is crowded as it is at this time of year.

And as for people who can't drive the right way round a one way car park: kindly fuck off and don't drive if you can't follow road signs.

That's all. Now can someone please pass the 🍷

Tesco at 6am was a dream but starting to get busy as I left. 2 families with kids not old enough to be left on their own. What I couldn’t understand was the women pushed the trolleys, looking at the shopping lists and getting the food and drink while the men stood, hands in pockets, staring at the ceiling, dragging (obviously) tired kids around. Would it not have been easier to leave the dads and kids at home? I know both families and the women drive so they’re capable of getting there and back. You couldn’t pay me enough to go shopping with my hubby and daughter.

My friend who still works at my former workplace said the store opened at 6am and one of the first customers was a family of 5 - both parents and 3 kids - she was guessing the ages - 5, 7 and 10.

There was no need to drag the kids out of bed at least 5:30am. They are going to be grouchy later on.

Ps. It was bright and sunny. Pedestrianised area outside with the Salvation Army band playing carols and lots of space.
I was cheerful, the family seemed lovely. No stress, grumpiness or drama. It was just a weird bit of obliviousness to that particular situation where they got in the way and held everyone up more than necessary.

Round here it seems that Ikea is the place of choice for people to take their whingeing kids for a day out.

Maybe you could discuss it and then one of you goes.

Tesco at 6am was a dream but starting to get busy as I left. 2 families with kids not old enough to be left on their own. What I couldn’t understand was the women pushed the trolleys, looking at the shopping lists and getting the food and drink while the men stood, hands in pockets, staring at the ceiling, dragging (obviously) tired kids around. Would it not have been easier to leave the dads and kids at home? I know both families and the women drive so they’re capable of getting there and back. You couldn’t pay me enough to go shopping with my hubby and daughter.

YANBU. At any time of year but especially now, it's a one adult job. The other adult stays at home with the children. The last place kids want to be the weekend before CHristmas is in a supermarket.

Would love to hear from any posters who think letting their kids get in the way in a supermarket is a fantastic afternoon out.

When working for the supermarket, had a few customers who bought things like they have absolutely nothing in! Including salt, pepper etc!

If people planned what they eat right to the veg, write a list based on what they do have and write a list what they need to buy. People will realise that they don’t need to spend as much money.

I popped in to tesco and it was clearly a family day out. Its not a place to bring the kids, and certainly Barbara should not hog the aisle when chatting to Peggy about her ailing health.

fuck off😂

Tesco at 6am was a dream but starting to get busy as I left. 2 families with kids not old enough to be left on their own. What I couldn’t understand was the women pushed the trolleys, looking at the shopping lists and getting the food and drink while the men stood, hands in pockets, staring at the ceiling, dragging (obviously) tired kids around. Would it not have been easier to leave the dads and kids at home? I know both families and the women drive so they’re capable of getting there and back. You couldn’t pay me enough to go shopping with my hubby and daughter.

Of course it is, but there are 51 other weeks of the year to make the family shop a learning experience. The last few days before Christmas when it's manic and packed is probably not the best time.