Shopping with the Kids

Is this a trick question? No, I do not consider going shopping as spending quality time with my kids. 

I think that it depends on how old your kids are and what kind of shopping you do. Shopping for my mom and I was always quality time. But for my mother and brother, not fun!

I actually do that quite a lot . I can't call it the best quality time but I see any time with my kids better then anything else.

The holiday shopping season is really creeping up on us quickly this year. If the Target Black Friday ad campaign is correct – then they might have shopping pandemonium on their hands with Target $3 appliances.  The Target $3 appliances are made by Chefmate, which means they aren't lousy – you could get a coffeemaker, a sandwich maker, toaster, and a slow cooker, according to rumor, and you could potentially buy all three for under $15. Other items, including electronics and clothing will be deeply discounted at Target, but there's a catch – there always is.  You have to show up on Black Friday at Target to take advantage of the Target $3 appliances along with other deals – you can't just use cheap payday loans and make a killing online.

Shopping with kids can be a real pain, of course.  But, it can also be quality time if the parent intentionally treats it like a learning experience.  Studies have shown that young children, 0-3 years old need a variety of situations where there parents are introducing them to language in order to prepare them for school.  A shopping trip is a great way to use all kinds of language with your kids.

Also, a shopping trip can be a great lesson in generosity for kids.  Have your kids help you go shopping for other people on your holiday list or even to give to kids through a charitable organizations.  This way, they get to understand what it takes to give to others.  How much more quality can you get than that?

Rarely- I only consider it quality time when I have money to spend