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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To take my son to Tesco with me?

72 replies

ACupOfTeaSolvesEverything · 17/04/2020 14:13

He’s 8. We really need to do a big shop, I’ve put it off as long as possible. DH is unwell (not covid) and in no position to look after him. He usually comes with me and is a good boy. Will Tesco turn me away?

OP posts:
WildOrchids67 · 17/04/2020 14:14

No, you'll be fine.

TokyoSushi · 17/04/2020 14:15

No I don't think so, just as long as you explain to DS that he needs to stay near you etc I think you'll be fine.

Pinkblueberry · 17/04/2020 14:15

Why would they turn you away?? Seriously? What do you think single parents do?

Ponoka7 · 17/04/2020 14:16

No they won't. Just take him and remind him not to touch things etc.

Original poster
ACupOfTeaSolvesEverything · 17/04/2020 14:16

His job is usually pushing the trolley while I fill it. He won’t leave my side.

OP posts:
Ponoka7 · 17/04/2020 14:17

Pinkblueberry
"Why would they turn you away?"

Because posters on here have repeatedly made up these rules and keep banging on about them.

Original poster
ACupOfTeaSolvesEverything · 17/04/2020 14:18

Pinkblueberry no need to be like that. I’d read in the news about single parents being in uproar at not being able to take kids shopping with them to big supermarkets. Hence checking if I need to just go to the little CoOp.

OP posts:
amijustparanoidorjuststoned · 17/04/2020 14:19

Hi OP, the supermarkets will be absolutely fine with him coming with you. Asda is the most generous supermarket with children/families, IMO. x

Topseyt · 17/04/2020 14:20

Take him. It should be fine. I've seen parents with children at Tesco, in the queueing system outside it and then later in the store.

If challenged (unlikely) then just say you have nobody to leave him with. No need to elaborate further than that.

Original poster
ACupOfTeaSolvesEverything · 17/04/2020 14:20

Brilliant thanks everyone xx

OP posts:
P1nkHeartLovesCake · 17/04/2020 14:21

Can you DH not lay on the sofa and your boy watch tv? At 8 you should be able to explain he needs to watch tv nicely for poorly daddy while mum pops to the shop- offer him a treat from the shop like a doughnut for being a good boy.

If you really can’t do that, then take him. What choice have you got?

Anonuser1 · 17/04/2020 14:21

You will be fine. There were people with children in my local Tesco the other day.

neverknewsomany · 17/04/2020 14:25

If you partner is in the house I would leave your 8 year old at home to watch tv or play a game.

Waxonwaxoff0 · 17/04/2020 14:26

I'm a single parent OP and I've never been turned away at the supermarket with DS.

gamerchick · 17/04/2020 14:30

There isn't a problem taking him but he's 8 and his dads home. Is his dad unconscious? Surely he'll be ok for an hour or so? It would be different if it was a more hands on age.

unchienandalusia · 17/04/2020 14:30

Agree you'll be fine to take him but seriously can't he stay with DH? He's 8 not 8 months.

melj1213 · 17/04/2020 14:31

Whilst the shop isnt going to stop you bringing him, surely your 8yr old is old enough to be left watching TV or doing some quiet activity in the same house as your DH while you shop?

I would only be taking my DD to the supermarket if I had literally no other option, because I wouldnt want to put her at risk of being in contact with so many people. Whilst it's not ideal, surely even an ill DH can be left responsible for your DS for an hour or so while you do the shopping?

raspberryk · 17/04/2020 14:31

At 8 with another adult in the house surely they don't need "looking after", I'm happy for my 8 year old to get up before I do. He makes himself cereal and a drink, gets dressed etc.

Surely they will just watch tv or play for an hour?

NerrSnerr · 17/04/2020 14:33

What looking after does he need? You'll only be gone a couple of hours at the most? Surely he can keep himself occupied with your husband in the house for that time.

ItStartedWithAKiss241 · 17/04/2020 14:34

I too would leave your 8 year old at home.
I have a 7 year old and I would definitely leave her in this situation x

hesgotit · 17/04/2020 14:34

No problem, but he should be left at home with DH, he's 8 and doesn't need constant supervision.

Crunchymum · 17/04/2020 14:35

I did actually see a child being turned away from Waitrose today.... he was with both parents !!! The security guard was patiently explaining why all 3 of them couldn't come in to do the shopping.

In your situation OP, it should be fine!

BogRollBOGOF · 17/04/2020 14:35

Last year I was out for the day. DH was ill in bed. The 8yo and 6yo were fine gawping at screens all day.

I'd be very suprised at a NT 8yo being unable to manage safely without close supervision for the typical time it takes to do food shopping.

More responsible 8yos are approaching the age of being able to be left for short periods, although that will vary by child and circumstances.

Crunchymum · 17/04/2020 14:37

Also yep, I'd leave my 7yo home with an available (albeit poorly and in a different room) parent.

Mia1415 · 17/04/2020 14:39

You will be fine. I'm a single mum and am still doing my weekly shop to Tesco with my DS. He knows the rules and understands them. We've had no problems.

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