Tips for shopping with kids.

Honestly... this is a nearly impossible task unless your children are angels during the trip. Three under six and shopping alone with them? I'm hoping you have some help - another set of hands with you. Best advice is to do your best to be sure kids are well fed and rested before you head out to minimize tantrums and fights. Also if the kids are old enough to understand give them specific tasks to help with and reward them for completing their tasks (carrying the snack bag, helping the younger ones with jackets, etc).

I have three kids under 6 and frequently find myself in this position.  Typically I try to have the two youngest ones contained somehow whether it is in a stroller or cart and my oldest walks along.  I make sure there are plenty of snacks and drinks with us and just muddle through.  As long as I know everyone has had enough to eat and drink, then my expectation is that their behavior will be appropriate and they will cooperate while mommy shops for the items on my list.  It helps, too, if I have something lined up as a reward after the errands are done (like a trip to chick-fil-a for lunch, or to a playground so they can burn off some energy).