Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Covid

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Original poster

Take kids to shop or back of the cupboard meals?

35 replies

ForeverBubblegum · 27/08/2020 10:20

Since March DH or I have gone shopping alone while the other stays with the kids, but DH has had a sudden rush of work (self employed) and we've barely seen him for the last week or so, and now the cupboards looking bare.

Looking at what's in I can probably do tuna/pasta for lunch and bean/lentil chilli for tea. I've got carrot and cucumber so if I can come up with a dip, the kids would have veg sticks as a snack (about the only fresh food left), and I could possibly make flapjack for something tasty.

That would do today, then I could try to get to a 24 hour supermarket once DH is back and the kids are in bed. Or I could just take them out and get some bits in. Their 1 and 4, I could put the youngest in the sling so she wasn't touching anything, but the oldest is a nightmare in shops even pre covid. Which would you do?

OP posts:
Remmy123 · 27/08/2020 10:27

Why can't you take them to a shop?

Do you think you are being a bit OTT?

Deux · 27/08/2020 10:32

Are you vulnerable, ill, super anxious? If not then I’m struggling to understand why you can’t take the kids.

You might all enjoy it. If you’re stressing just go for a small shop, buy the kids a sweetie and comic and a magazine for yourself. Just wear a mask and keep your distance.

Original poster
ForeverBubblegum · 27/08/2020 10:34

Older DS can't be trusted not to run off or pick stuff up (sen), even pre covid I would avoid taking him. To be honest I probably could take them, just weighing up if the exact stress is worth it, since we have some stuff in, just not what I'd choose to eat.

OP posts:
Original poster
ForeverBubblegum · 27/08/2020 10:36

He also has a tendency to lick surfaces and put things in his mouth if he's bored, which isn't ideal at the moment.

OP posts:
MJMG2015 · 27/08/2020 10:36

Eat what you have in, save yourself the stress.

Can't you get shopping delivered?

LupinsNotLilys · 27/08/2020 10:39

Would they sit in the trolley for you?

When I had 2 under 2 I used to go shopping at 5am so I could leave them at home while I whizzed round the store quickly but depending on your dc's needs I feel it's something you can't avoid forever

My youngest has additional needs fwiw

Maybe do a list for just 2 days of shopping so it's a quick whizz around? Get you and your dc used to going shopping together. Take something that would help to distract or settle dc if needed? (Snack, toy, book, small shopping list for dc, Tablet)

Deux · 27/08/2020 10:39

OK, the SEN makes it more tricky. If it seems too stressy then I’d make do with what I had at home.

MynephewR · 27/08/2020 10:40

Just take them. I don't like taking mine covid or no covid as it's a PITA (they are 2 and 4) but if we need food and DH is at work then I do it.

TheKeatingFive · 27/08/2020 10:41

Just take them

mynameiscalypso · 27/08/2020 10:43

Where are you? Waitrose Rapid do a same day delivery service and I imagine you can still get groceries on Uber/deliveroo.

LupinsNotLilys · 27/08/2020 10:47

@ForeverBubblegum

Get a small list together. Get bags, trolley coin. Get the dc fed and watered. Take something to distract. Give clear and small instructions as to what you're going to do. Go and get shopping to cover 2 days

You'll feel great after you've done it and if it all goes wrong you'll have an idea of what to do/not to do next time

You can do it op

BF2748 · 27/08/2020 10:47

I would eat what you have in and got shopping delivered or do a click and collect for tomorrow.

My SIL does click and collect as there’s 2 year old twins and a 10 year old so makes it harder than it needs to be doing the weekly shop.

Remmy123 · 27/08/2020 10:49

Apart from the licking - if they touch stuff doesn't mean they will catch anything , my toddler touches stuff In the shops I just let him as was getting g too stressful.

Anyway we are still alive and kicking 👍

SillyUnMurphy · 27/08/2020 10:51

@Deux

OK, the SEN makes it more tricky. If it seems too stressy then I’d make do with what I had at home.
Do either of the kids have SEN? Where has the OP said that?
Yellowcar2 · 27/08/2020 10:51

I'm not vulnerable or anxious but still not taking my 3 DC to the shops. I don't see the need why. They see family friends and will be going back to school soon. Both my DH and I have been back st work for months. These are all unavoidable contacts. Why would I add shopping to the list if I don't have too? Confused

emptycup · 27/08/2020 10:52

Cupboard meals definitely. I went with my 2 DC yesterday, one of which has autism and it was horrible. I struggled to communicate with them due to wearing a mask and they couldn't see half my face. Try and do an online shop maybe? They don't seem to be as busy now so you might be able to get one tomorrow. Can DH pick a few bits up to tide you over in the mean time

Deux · 27/08/2020 10:55

@SillyUnMurphy the OP mentions SEN in her second post

chantico · 27/08/2020 10:55

Can you get an online delivery slot?

I'd do that, using cupboard stuff (and get DH to pick up anything you're really out of in the margins of his day) as that should tide you over until one of you can do a proper shop in person.

It would be wring to take someone who licks stuff into a food shop at any time, let alone now. I hope it's just a phase and it passes soon

Sirzy · 27/08/2020 10:56

For your own sanity I would eat what you have in.

Can you book an online delivery slot?

AriettyHomily · 27/08/2020 10:57

Book a delivery for tomorrow?

GailWeathers9 · 27/08/2020 11:01

I’d go for the cupboard meal or treat the family to a takeaway and get a click and collect for tomorrow.

KetoPenguin · 27/08/2020 11:08

Eat what you have in and work out how to do an online delivery tomorrow. It's not that the risks are super high if you take the DC but it sounds like it would be a lot easier to start shopping online.

SwedishK · 27/08/2020 11:09

I would eat what you have at home and then go tonight once your DH is back or send him a list of things to pick up on his way home.

Taking a child that licks items in the store is not a good idea. Not for him and definitely not for other shoppers.

Alternatively, could someone you know look after the 4 year old in a playground or similar whilst you and the 1 year old pop to the shop?

wonkylegs · 27/08/2020 11:11

I understand the reluctance to take them, it's just so much easier without them.
Our 4yo is really quite good so less of an issue. He wears a mask (with paw patrol on it) and is bribed to be good with a treat which he only gets when we leave the supermarket if he's been good.
The mask is his choice as he wants to be like everyone else in the family but it also helps with the wanting to lick stuff.
I make sure he washes hands at start and then has to hold the trolley with one hand all the way round in order to get his treat. Sanitise his hands again as he gets in the car, because as soon as the mask is off those hands will be in his mouth again.
He's too big to go in trolley seat & I'm to small to lift him in anyway but I did initially consider it.
Plan shop so it's as quick as possible and it will be fine. It may be stressful for you but you won't be the only one. Good luck.

PumbaasCucumbas · 27/08/2020 11:16

Delivery? They all have slots again now. Iceland do next day delivery and you only have to spend £35 I think

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

Join Mumsnet Log In

This thread is closed and is no longer accepting replies. Click here to start a new thread.