Everyone was staring at me.
I hate being the center of attention under even the best of circumstances, which this most certainly was not.
My usually even-keeled toddler was in the middle of the floor screaming.
And then he started spelling.
M-O-M.
I do N-O-T want to go back to the C-O-N-D-O and take a N-A-P."
More screaming, kicking and flailing ensued.
At least twenty complete strangers were staring at me with a look that said: "What kind of Mom are you that your kindergartener is on the floor having a fit?"
Only he wasn't five; he was a tall and overtired two-year-old who had picked up spelling from a TV show his older brother loved.
Knowing that sans the spelling it was perfectly normal, albeit undesirable, behavior of a two-year-old should have made glares easier to take.
But I wanted to disappear Ant-Man style.
I might have been on the other end of that look once or twice in my pre-child days. Oh, what I didn't know then.
It is easy to be judgmental when you aren't the one with a screaming child in the middle of a busy store.
These days, the fits in our family are courtesy of this girl.
And oh, is it a struggle.
Don't get me wrong, Skye is a happy girl and a lot of fun.
She loves to go and is always up for an adventure.
Mercifully, we are past the point where the fits render her prone in a public place.
(But yes, she has done this more than once in places far more embarrassing than a deserted beach.)
Skye has so much passion for life and is so emotional and sometimes those emotions get the best of her.
She is not a good eater at any time but is particularly bad about eating away from home.
I pack snacks when we go out, but sometimes those get snubbed too.
No Food + Busy Day = Cranky Preschooler
Cranky Preschooler + Massive Grocery List = Mega Meltdown
The last time this happened, I knew that I should just go home.
But there was that little thing about two growing boys and a hubby at home who actually would prefer that there be food in the fridge and pantry.
These days, I have a better solution.
One that doesn't involve me avoiding eye contact as I dodge judgmental glares.
We are skipping the store altogether and instead using Walmart's Online Grocery Pickup.
It is so easy to order online!
Best of all, everything is ready and waiting when I get there. Skye is content to play on my phone in the back seat, while I help the personal shopper get everything in the car.
It is the best solution that I have found to save me the time and frustration of grocery shopping with a tired and cranky child.
And lets me focus more on what is important - creating more quality time together.
Savings Alert
Right now, you can use the code WOWFRESH for $10 off your first order for Walmart's Online Grocery Pickup.
It just may save you from dealing with an epic fit.
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Walmart. The opinions and text are all mine.
Tara pittman
My nine year old still has these meltdowns at home. They sure do tire me out so I totally feel for moms who are dealing with this.
Sarah Bailey
Haha oh dear what a fit! I have to admit we order our food shop online and have it delivered to the door it makes things so much easier.
KRYSTLE COOK
I love that most grocery stores are doing delivery and pick up these days. It was something my husband and I wanted like 10 years ago. We are SO glad it's finally here!
Shannon Sawicki
My little has taken to showing his independence through choose to wear his PJs all day. I am learning to be ok as the mom that doesn't dress her child. I have to pick my battles right?
Ada
I love how stores are now offering online ordering and then being able to pick it up in store. SO convenient.
Tiffany
It is great to have that option today! It saves time and is super convenient. Whenever I go to Walmart I place my order online too.
Athena
Our son is 17 and autistic - even at 17 we occasionally still have fits and it is horrid because in others eyes he is a grown young man. They are much fewer and farther between and usually because he doesn't know how to interpret something that is happening. I feel for you.
EG III
I've shared this article because I know all to well how grocery store meltdowns happen. I don't trust just anyone picking out my groceries but for the non essential items this is a godsend.
Khushboo
We don't have Walmart in India yet. I hope they start operations soon so that I can use these services 🙂
Lisa
I love WalMart and the pickup feature is amazing when your in a rush or simply don't feel like getting down.
Oyinkan Ogunleye
Ummmm girl! The little boy is so freaking adorable omg. All this other kids are cute too but his pic came up first. So awesome.