Well, it has finally happened.
The day I have dreaded since becoming a mother.
My child has had a full on, 100%, screaming, throw yourself on the floor, ugly cry, wailing fit in the grocery store.
How did we get here?
I believe I’ve spoken about the general ornery ways of my middle child, the Frying Pan. She is a piece of my heart, the apple of my eye, the child who is probably most like me… which means she is also the most stubborn, the most particular about things being a certain way, and the one who has the hardest time dealing disappointment.
We’ve had little tiffs in the store before. Where the Frying Pan has wanted things one way, I have wanted them another, and through gentles persuasion and bribery (“but if we get done faster, we’ll make it home to watch Lion Guard”) we come to a compromise.
We’ve had tears in the grocery store, little stamps of the foot, and raised voices. This kind of behavior prompts me to get down on her level, count backwards from five, take some deep calming breaths, and then talk about what we need and why we’re upset.
But this? This was next level.
And I can’t even tell you what it was about.
It all happened so fast. One moment we were buying food, all chatting away, the baby gurgling merrily from the cart, the next minute the Frying Pan was lying face down on the Kroger floor, snot running out her nose, wailing about some perceived injustice before I could even register that the awful crying I was hearing was MY child.
I stood there for a solid 10 seconds before I took action. My brain was blank. This was a scenario I have dreaded all six years of being a mother, but it occurred to be that I never actually made a game plan. I started with common courtesy.
“Frying Pan, would you please get off the floor?”
“NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOIcantgetoffloorbecauseyouandimmadatyouandthebabyandsisterand…NOOOOOOOOO.”
Next, I tried convincing her with compassion for her fellow man.
“Frying Pan, people are trying to get by and they’re very worried they’ll run over you with their cart. Can you please get up so the other people can keep shopping?”
“NOOOOOOIcantgetoffloorpeopleandcartsgoaroundimsadandmadandyouandpeopleandcarts…NOOOOOOOOOOO.”
So I took matters into my own hands. Literally. I scooped her off the floor, held her tightly to be as she cried and freaked out and got whatever was inter system out of her system. The Glass Slipper stood dutifully by with the Teacup in the cart, watching the whole thing with solemn eyes.
Once the Frying Pan had calmed down a little, I continued to hold her, explaining that it was okay to have big feelings but we needed to find a way to deal with them 1) that did not hurt her and 2) was not in a Kroger.
To this day, I do not know what set her off. But I know this kind of thing happens with kids. They’re small humans who are always growing, their world is always changing, and something as simple as the cereal being in the wrong place can send them into a tizzy. And on the plus side, now I can say I’ve survived a grocery store meltdown.
- Bananas, 2.52 lb-$1.49.
- Blackberries, 6 oz, (4)-$5. In- store sale, 4 for $5!
- Boards Head Pepperoni, .5 lb-$4.50.
- Boneless Chuck Roast, 2.30 lb -$8.06. $3.49 a pound.
- Broccoli Crowns, 1.67 lb-$2.66.
- Gerber Organic Baby Food Pouches (10)-$11.90. They were on sale for $1.39 each, then I buy a “$2 off of 10” paper coupon, so it ended up being $1.19 a packet, which is what I pay for Simple Truth packets but I got a Fetch Rewards bonus for buying name brand. Huzzah!
- Heritage Farm Chicken Breast, 4.49 lb-$8.94.
- Kroger Cream Cheese, 2 pk-$1.79.
- Marieke Gouda-$4.69. Manager’s Special.
- Private Selection Honey Ham, .25 lb-$1.95.
- Private Selection Honey Turkey, .75 lb-$6.31.
- Private Selections Triple Berry Preserves-$2.49. In store sale!
- Private Selection Wheat Bread-$1.99.
- Raspberries, 6 oz (4)-$5. In store sale, 4 for $5!
- Romaine Lettuce, 1.39 lb-$2.35.
- Roma Tomatoes, 1.01 lb-$.90.
- Simple Truth Almond Milk, .5 gal (2)-$5.
- Simple Truth Organic Baby Food Pouches (4)-$4.01. Paper coupon for $.75 off 4, brought them down to $1 each.
- Vidal Onions, 1.55 lb-$1.84.
- Apps I’ll submit to: Fetch Rewards, Ibotta ($.10 Off Any Item,) CoinOut
Total Budget: $74.70
Total Spent: $81.17
Total Saved: $23.96
Deducted From Next Week: $6.47
Another month of trying to get back to the budget with small steps. Man, I cannot wait for January and the new grocery budget. Til then, onward!
Has your kid had an epic store meltdown? What store was it? How did you handle it? Did a well meaning but ultimately needed person come over and say, “Looks like someone needs a nap?” Share with me in the comments, let me know I’m not alone!
Kristen B. is wife to the best Prince around, mama to the spunkiest little princesses, and lover of all things Disney. She started her savings journey five years ago and is now dedicated to making her family’s wishes come true one coupon at a time. She is so excited to take her love of saving to the next level and share her journey with you! Click here to catch up on Kristen’s Savings and join in on your own savings adventure!