How much patience is required to be a parent?  Seriously, I would say more than one could put into words on any given day.  A while back I had blogged about shopping with kids, and different options for making it a painless experience. Sometimes I can follow my own advice, but other times I need to just roll with it, and this week was one of those situations.

I was in dire need of groceries, and doing an online order was not on option.  So, I put both kids in the car, and thought, “Really, had bad could it be?”  Apparently it had been quite some time since I did a major grocery shopping with both kids in tow, and must have clearly lost my head.  We were in aisle 2, yes folks, I said 2, when it all when to crap, and I thought, “there is no way I am going to make it another 12 aisles without someone getting hurt, or losing their mind!”  The bag of tricks didn’t work, the Dunkin’ Donuts “reward” was of no interest, and it was at that very moment that I saw it – Scrunchy’s Play Center. Oh Scrunchy, where have you been all of my shopping life?

In the past, I had seen the play center before but always walked right past it.  In 5 years of being a parent, I have never left my children with anyone other than a family member, so the thought of putting my kids in a grocery store play center, WITHOUT ME, and WITH STRANGERS nonetheless, was never given a second thought.  But I was desperate, and figured there was no time like the present to get over it. So,  I walked up to the window and said, “How does this work and where do I sign?”  All in all, it was a great concept.  It was very secure, a clean environment with an array of activities for the kids, there was a camera where I could fully see my children, and I was never more than a few aisles away and could get to them in a mere 15 seconds if needed.  Plus it was FREE, though I would have certainly paid top dollar for this convenience.  As a result of my kids playing with “Scrunchy”, I was able to get my shopping done in record time, without stress, and we were all much happier.

Check out your local grocery store and see if they offer anything like this.  I have heard certain Wegmans offer a similar service.  If they do, this could be a Jem to you, too.  Hmmm, now if only I could find Scrunchy when I need a pedicure!!!!