you have your kids with you? Do you have a hard time saying "No" to the extras that the kids want to add to the cart? Is it harder to take time to look at what is cheaper in different products and different sizes when your kids are with you?

YES!!!! If I take my kids to the store with me, I forget what I need (even with a list!) and I buy them things that make my budget all messed up! That is why I have started shopping in the evening so my hubby watches the kids. Usually I go after we put them all in bed. He is ok with it b/c he knows how much I save with coupons if I don't take them!!

No!! If they're with me, they can get me so annoyed that I barely buy what I need before leaving!

I have one DS who is almost 5 and loves to go shopping with me mark the list off, help put the items in the cart and give the coupons to the cashier... He does ask for some things, and I do give in to one reasonable thing.. Like he'll ask for bananas or apples or something like that, he knows I don't buy candy..

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Samantharae

Its worse when my dh is with me! I do tend to maybe buy a little too much fruit when they are with me!

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I do the same whether my kids are there or not.

My kids have never been able to "ask" for something (that is not on the list).......they know that they won't get it anyway, so they don't even ask. I would not hesitate to take all 8 of my kids with me on a shopping trip.

As far as coupons go, I bring 2 spring type clothes pins......one for the coupons that are unused, and then as I put the item in the cart, I move the "used" coupon to the other clothespin (they are clipped to the back of the cart (the opposite of the child seat)......on my grocery list I write a "c" next to the items that have a coupon and that helps me keep track too..........THIS WORKS VERY WELL, YOU SHOULD TRY IT.

I don't know if I really spend anymore, I just usually forget to get some items on my list because they are busy showing me all the new products that are out.

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Yes, i do spend more when my kids come along. I spend more time in the store and end up spending more money. I spend even more if my DH comes. He just throws things into the cart without thinking. Although, he has gotten better over time. I have a hard time telling him he can't get something since he is the sole income provider. But if I let him put whatever into the cart, we go way over budget. I usually try to go by myself. Then I have time to look at the sales and look through my coupons for things not listed in the sale ad. I also am able to make sure I get everything on my list instead of trying to hurry b/c one of the kids are screaming. Plus it is nice to get some time to myself.

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Loving wife to Matthew 6/26/04
SAHM to Jacob Matthew 4/19/03 & Evelyn Grace 2/15/06

[quote=momof2boys;629963]Its worse when my dh is with me! QUOTE]


I could have wrote this myself! DH rarely goes shopping with me, but when he does, I can anticipate going over budget by 20 or 30 dollars. He's more willing to buy junk food than what I am. Don't get me wrong, I like snacky stuff too, but he'll go overboard! That's probably why we only go together about once every couple months!!

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Proud Mom to D.S. 9 years and D.D. 6 years!

I agree DH is worse then the kids but then again DD is only 2 and hasn't really started vocalizing everything she wants. I think if I let her shop I would end up with a cart full of Shoes. She really likes shoes!

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Kimberly Proud Mommy to Bethany Rose April 2006