I was once a member of a group awarded a Group Bravery Citation. The award was for work with the United Nations in East Timor. There were a lot of people in that group who were deserving of that medal. Me? Not so much. It sounds cliché but I did what anyone else in the same situation would have done. No less and not a hell of a lot more. And to be honest, for the most part I didn’t feel brave. I felt scared. I felt unable to control anything around me.
A lifetime and three kids later I don’t need a war zone to evoke the same emotions. I just need to step into a supermarket with my three young children. And there you have it. I am scared and completely out of control.
My mum used to say that you lose all inhibitions once you give birth. I say you lose all dignity once you go grocery shopping with young children. Night. Mare. Madness. And yet, I do it again and again. Brave? Or stupid? courageous? Or lunacy?
Just as an FYI, you should know that this post is sponsored by CHUX. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100% authentic and written in their own words.
I’d like to think that my children, in general are fairly well behaved. They are not overly loud, boisterous or demanding. Besides the fact there are three of them of fairly similar ages. This all changes the moment they come into a 10 metre radius of a shopping trolley.
Out. Of. Control. They run instead of walk. They have no concept of other people in the store or spatial awareness. They crash into people. They ask embarrassing questions in cringe worthy, loud voices. They knock over stands.
It becomes a test of my patience, courage, determination… and my ability to lie:
- To others; ‘Oh I don’t normally allow them to eat raw cocktail frankfurts’ (uneasy smile).
- To the kids; ‘You do that one more time and you can go and sit in the car’.
- And to myself; ‘Why are they so crazy? They’re not usually like this…I’m never doing this again.’
I can never know exactly what will occur. What will get thrown at me. Except for the fact it will be chaotic. I will lose control. And somewhere between the entrance and the cash register, my dignity will be lost.
‘Don’t touch those. Nope we don’t need those. Put that back. Move out of the way of the lady. Quick, help me pick up those oranges. Sorry! Watch out behind you. Please put down the yoghurt. Step aside. Oh god, please put down the yoghurt! Don’t stand in the middle of the aisle, no one can get past you. Oh, so sorry. Nope, we don’t need any chocolate. Please don’t put your hands all over the mushrooms. I don’t care if Gracie has them. Put them back. Here, have another frankfurt…’
‘Oh, a tantrum is it?’ asked an elderly lady as she watched my 18 month old lay face down in the middle of the checkout line, screaming. ‘Ah hum’. I answered. ‘Don’t worry, she will grow out of that in about 40 years.’ I had another elderly lady grab me on the arm and say, ‘I’m glad it’s you and not me dear!’ Others simply smile as they walk past, grinning and chuckling to themselves. I’ve had a young male check out attendant stop scanning items and run after my little boy for me.
I walk in determined. Brave, yet scared. I am quick and resourceful. Yet, chaos reigns.
Dignity is left behind. And I reckon each time I do it, I demonstrate courage and bravery worthy of a handshake from the Governor General.
These images pretty much sum up a trip to the supermarket for a mum with kids. Click through for some giggles.
How do you make it through the grocery shop (dignity in tack)?
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Top Comments
Coles or Woolies online - I've used both are they were great. And helps to avoid impulse buys, or buying something that you can't remember if you've used it up or not (just check the fridge before hitting send).
Two words...Coles online!!!!