There was a time when running errands with my kids felt doable. A quick stop at CVS? No problem. Grab some toothpaste, maybe some snacks, and be in and out in five minutes.
But those days are over.
Somewhere between toddlerhood and full-blown kid consumerism, my children have turned CVS into a personal shopping spree that I can no longer afford—or emotionally handle.
The Moment I Knew We Were Done
It started innocently enough. I needed to pick up my medicine at the pharmacy. Easy trip, right? Wrong.
The second we walked in, my kids transformed into mini shopping experts with a “must-have” list longer than my grocery receipts.
🛑 First stop: The Stuffies. My youngest, wide-eyed, cradled a $12 stuffed bear like it was a rescue puppy. “He needs a home, Daddy!” she pleaded. We bought two.
🛑 Then, the snack aisle. My older one suddenly needed “emergency” M&M’s. (Spoiler: We have M&M’s at home.) We bought two.
🛑 Lip balms. Always the lip balms. Why does CVS have 300 different flavors of lip balm? We bought two.
🛑 Random beauty products. My five-year-old tried to convince me we needed more nail polish! For her! We bought two. For those interested, click here for a more kid friendly nail polish kit.
By the time we reached the register, my “quick errand” had turned into an exhausting negotiation that left me questioning all my life choices.
The Final Straw: The Impulse Buy Section
You know that tiny section right by the checkout? The one filled with mini hand sanitizers, last-minute candy, and overpriced keychains?
Yeah, that’s where my kids thrive.
While I’m trying to pay, they are loading up the counter like they just won a game show.
The cashier looked at me with sympathy. “Would you like to sign up for ExtraCare Rewards?” she asked.
No, ma’am. What I need is a parenting support group.
So, What’s the Plan Now?
Until my kids learn the difference between a necessity and a random object they suddenly can’t live without, CVS is officially a solo mission.
Or, as we like to say over on @thetiredcouple, the only way to survive errands with kids is:
1️⃣ Go alone
2️⃣ Distract them with snacks
3️⃣ Bribe as necessary
Because if I’m being honest? I just wanted my medicine. But I left CVS with two stuffed animals, two mystery-flavored lip balm, two bags of M&Ms, two bottles of nail polish and nearly $50 worth of regret.
Relatable? Drop a comment or follow @thetiredcouple for more parenting survival stories. 🚀