Shopping trips got you and your kids down?  In Llama Llama Mad at Mama by Anna Dewdney, Llama Llama is not very pleased that he has to go out shopping with Mama.  Once Llama Llama throws a messy tantrum, Mama Llama explains that she really doesn’t like shopping either, but it has to be done and at least they can do it together. 

Recently I dragged my son out to the car amidst much protest so we could get some grocery shopping done.  Remembering this story, I explained to him that I didn’t really want to go to the store either.  I told him that we needed food and that the food wasn’t going to come to us, so we needed to go and get it.  I can’t say that from that point on our shopping excursion was perfect, but I think it was important in that it helped my son realize that grocery store trips aren’t all about torturing him and that even Mom has to do things she doesn’t want to do.   

Picture from Amazon.com