I hesitate to write this post because I know it will annoy some people, but I have a serious pet peeve. You know those race car carts at Whole Foods? The only ones in the store that have seating for 2 children? When I see you put your 1 child in the double cart, it enrages me and makes me think that you are selfish. I have three children who range in age from 5 to 7 months. I have many days where I have to take them all of them to Whole Foods for groceries alone. Most times, there is a double cart available, which makes my shopping trip just a tad bit easier. There are days, though, when there is 1 double cart left, and as I am hustling all 3 kids to grab it, a person with a single child casually walks over and takes it despite seeing me struggle towards it. Situations like that make me see red.
When there are no double carts, it means that I have to put two kids in the basket of a regular cart and somehow find room to put the groceries in as well without the bananas getting squished. It also means I have to constantly police the kids from opening up all the food and eating it since it’s literally in their laps. And because the kids are in close quarters in a regular cart, it means the likelihood of a fight increases 435%.
I understand the argument that you don’t want to “deprive” your precious child of the “fun” double race car cart. Here is what I say, though: “This is not a ride at Disney World.” The race car grocery cart has a function, and that function is to hold TWO children while the parent shops. Furthermore, have you ever pushed that gigantic cart through Whole Foods? If I only had one child with me, there is no way we would be using that beast of a cart for logistics and bulkiness alone.
Shopping with three kids is hard; I basically look like a traveling circus, and I’m okay with that. But the double cart is one of the things that makes my shopping trip just a little more manageable. I wish the double carts at Whole Foods were like the ones at Costco – no frills with a focus on functionality – but they are not.
Oh my god yes! Trying to convince my 4 year old that her little brother HAS to go in the seat and she must either walk or be in the basket is almost impossible and most times results in a meltdown. Moms of one child: Please be empathetic of mothers with 2 or more. Please!
I never comment on stuff, and I try not to get offended by things I read on the Internet, because there’s no point. But man did you stomp on my toes. I have ONE child (and am lucky to have him period). He is 3. You best believe that we utilize those carts, if that’s what helps me get through my shopping. That’s his favorite part about visiting the grocery store. First come, first serve, whether you have one child or TEN. Just because someone may have more children than someone else, does not mean their parenting struggles are any different. If you were angry when you wrote this post, you should’ve cooled off before posting it for the world to see. If you wanted to complain, do so in private with your friends or something, because there are much worse things to complain about than this…especially when you’re posting it for the world to see. Get over it!
How old are your kids? Mine are 4 and 5 and they walk wherever we go. Those seats are for toddlers who can’t walk. Sounds like it might be time to introduce your older kids of the responsibility of moving their own bodies through life. Parents who schlep their able-bodied children around in carts and strollers are one of my pet peeves. Like, do they still need pacifiers and diapers as well?
Maybe the store should get some standaed double carts. Why should the only double carts be the ones that would incite my three year old to have a meltdown monster temper tantrum that causes me to go home without shopping at all? I pray that all of those carts are taken at the store so that I can use a standard one, but even that is risky since he knows those stupid carts are there and a meltdown is still possible.
But I get it, it is easier to blame other moms than it is to blame the store for creating that situation in the first place.
I never thought of it that way, so in the future I will be more careful and note the carts…..BUT……I chose that cart because it faces forward and my child will not sit facing me and the wheel keeps him busy. Have you considered wearing the 7 month old in a baby carrier?
I see your point about a parent basically swiping a cart put from under you. That is oblivious, rude, and even selfish. Being considerate is what makes thw qorld go ’round – i get that. In the instance you describe it would be a great leaening ppportunitybfor a kid to see a parent being considerate. However, if I’m at the grocery store and there’s a race car cart fully available… I’ll probably take it. If there’s a line to the restroom at the airport and the only available stall is handicapped – do you take it? Of course you do. You keep the line moving even though a handicapped person may come up 3 minutes after you walk in. As much as you like to keep your child occupied in the store – so do I. If a completely single person takes the race car cart… now that’s just crazy, but if it were the only cart left when he walked up – I’d still cut him some slack.
I have to say that I have never written back on a post before. I did feel this required a comment.
I read these blogs and truly enjoy them and feel as though good information is given to help give support to the moms of NOLA. However, I feel this blog was posted out of anger, frustration and not constructive. I 100% agree with the blogger that if someone sees you with numerous children for God sake give you that basket, otherwise it is very rude and disrespectful.
Coming from being a mom with one child, my son also likes the fun race car basket. Just because there are single kids doesn’t mean they don’t deserve the fun cart too. These carts also keep only child kids happy and entertained during the sometimes dreadful grocery shopping.
I would imagine shopping with three children is very difficult. I am sure having a 5 year-old in a basket does take a lot of room away from putting groceries in the cart. However as moms we know we can’t always do our shopping without our kiddos. I think most would pray for time to shop without the kids and think of this as a getaway. I also think I am not alone when I say that I pray before getting out the car that the experience is quick and happy.
I hope you have better experiences and get your cart so that you don’t post blogs such as these. These are hurtful to most moms with one child or moms who can’t have more than one and want their kid to have fun and/or just be entertained enough to make it through the grocery shopping. I don’t think anyone goes for a real adventure and goals of taking carts away from moms with more than one child. I also don’t blame the store. I hope it gets better for you, I kind of felt bad for you after this post
Take Care, Lea
I wholeheartedly agree with you have written but I never read this blog before (and I won’t start now).
I was nothing short of lucky to have the family of my dreams (2 kids) but it was a rough road to get here so I sympathize greatly with you if you wanted more.
Sure if a mom is juggling 3, I would give up the cart and go on my way. But when I have multiple errands to run, my 2 fully capable of walking kids will sit quietly in that car cart so yes, I’ll take it if it’s free.
Take a deep breath Megan- I’m sure you’re a wonderful mom and have a nice following where you are but this post absolutely rubbed me the wrong way.
I have to disagree. I have a two-year old and while I try my hardest to get my errands done on an off day if I have to take him to the grocery with me, I am looking for the race car cart. This means he will be occupied and happy while I furiously shop to get in and out as fast as possible – 15 minutes – TOPS. In a regular cart he has the opportunity to stand up in the front basket, or I will spend 15 minutes arguing with him that no, he can’t get out and walk or to make a choice. I’m not a monster – if I see another family moving that way I will relinquish the cart, but if we walk up and no one else is there I’m grabbing it. I never, ever saw them as being for more than one child – just as for children.
I’m sorry you feel so much frustration about this that you felt the need to write a blog solely about carts. I have four kids, and I can honestly say I have never had that thought run through my head. Should Whole Foods put up a sign that says, “Carts reserved for people with more than one child”?? Ridiculous. You need to find more important things to be upset about.
I have two kids, but only one still rides. He’s 5 and he’s autistic. He’ll sit in the forward facing cart, but not a regular one. I’m not going to stop because you’re complaining about it.
Moreover, this entire post is trivial and idiotic. You, Madam, need to get a life.
“Moreover, this entire post is trivial and idiotic.”
This. Exactly.
I can’t believe Nolamoms even allowed this nonsense to be published.
Here’s an even better solution: get yourself a glass of wine… Heck, maybe even a whole bottle… and make your husband take the kids to get your groceries at Walmart while you take a nice long bath. Sounds like you’re in serious need of a mommy break. Your hubby & kids would probably have more fun shopping at Wally World instead of stuffy old Whole Foods anyway. There he could shove ’em all in a regular buggy & no one would even bat an eye.