Most parents know the feeling: a long list of errands to get through, a toddler in tow, and the creeping dread that it’s all going to go sideways in the cereal aisle. But sometimes (and it doesn’t happen every time, of course) there’s a way to turn these everyday outings into something that actually feels a bit like fun. For the child, mainly, but you might find yourself smiling too.
Not Every Trip Has to Feel Like a Chore
The funny thing about young children is that they don’t need much to get excited. A shop becomes a jungle. A car ride turns into a spaceship mission. It’s all in the telling. Something as simple as going to the bank can take on a bit of sparkle if it’s framed the right way: maybe today it’s not just the bank, it’s the treasure vault. That sort of thing.
There’s no rule that says an errand has to be a serious, get-in-get-out affair. In fact, rushing often makes things worse. When children feel included, or better yet, like they’re needed, everything tends to go a lot more smoothly.This is especially true for children who might be adjusting to new routines or environments.Foster children from an agency like Foster Care Associates, for instance, often find comfort in feeling useful and involved in everyday family activities.
A Bit of Planning Never Hurts
It’s not about packing a full rucksack like you’re off on a hike in the Peak District, but having a few bits ready can make a difference. A small notebook and a crayon, for example, can suddenly become a field journal for noting “rare” finds (like a green tomato or a particularly stripy sweet). Throw in a snack or two and maybe a favourite little toy, and you’re set.
Consider keeping a small magnifying glass or a pretend map in your bag, just for these sorts of outings. It might sound a bit over the top, but honestly, it can buy a good twenty minutes of engagement in the middle of a dull queue.
Turn the Errands into a Game
Shops are full of opportunities for mini missions. Spotting items by colour, shape, or even just the first letter of the name can keep little minds ticking along. “Let’s find the biggest peach we can” sounds small, but it gives the task a purpose.
And then there are the classic games – “I Spy,” counting red cars, guessing what the people ahead in line are buying. Children love a game, even if it doesn’t make much sense. In fact, especially if it doesn’t.
Let the Detours Happen
It’s tempting to rush through errands, but sometimes the best bits come from the unplanned moments. A snail on a pavement, a busker playing something vaguely recognisable, the smell of fresh bread from a bakery window – these are the things that stick in a child’s mind.
If there’s time (and admittedly, that’s not always the case), it’s worth pausing. Even just for a minute or two. It’s not wasted time; it’s part of the adventure.
Wrapping It All Up (Without Making It a Thing)
Once you are home, there’s no need for a full debrief or anything formal. But asking a casual question like “What was the funniest bit today?” or “Did anything surprise you?” can help make the errand feel like more than just a task ticked off a list.
Some children like to draw what they saw, or even make up a story about it later, especially if the day had a bit of narrative running through it. It doesn’t need to be anything grand.
Let errands take a back seat now and then. With a little effort, and perhaps a lot of patience, the ordinary bits of the week can become the most unexpectedly lovely. Not every time, of course. But every now and then, it works.