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Single Parent Tips for Handling Holiday Shopping During a Pandemic

by: Kora Bae

By NoellePublished 3 years ago 5 min read
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You may or may not be like me, I’ve been dreading the idea of heading to the mall for holiday shopping midst a pandemic. I enjoy shopping online, but to catch some great deals it’s almost inevitable to go to the mall during this time of the year.

For some of us this is the first holiday season we’re spending in the middle of a pandemic. You and your children are required to wear face masks and keep six feet distance from other shoppers, while the stores are buzzing with people during the holidays. Childcare is limited, high-risk family members are not available to babysit, and other factors are keeping children home now more than ever. We love our little ones, but this can be a challenging task for some families. Not all errands are made to be done with children coming along. Who? What? When? Where? Why? And how? Are the start of some questions on handling this holiday season during a pandemic

A. Prepare!

I heard if you stay ready you won’t have to get ready. I know, already it seems like too much! But this might be a task that must be done. Therefore, you’ll want to (at least seem to) be ready for the task at hand.

Prepare who? The child(ren) and yourself. Preparing children is a case-by-case situation, results may vary. As the adult, you have the ability to take control of the situation, prepare yourself!

Prepare what? Along with your regular essentials, a personal hand sanitizer bottle is a must have. Also, if your child(ren) struggle keeping their mask on, brining extra masks is suggested.

Prepare when? Prep the child(ren) with conversation about the day. “We’re going shopping to find gifts for family and friends!” This will help children engage, make a connection and enjoy the shopping experience. Plan to have the child(ren) eat and use the bathroom before the holiday shopping trip begins. “Accidents happen”, “when ya gotta go, ya gotta go “are all true sayings, but this is a preventative preparation step to take! This should allow you about two hours of shopping before having to attend any child’s bodily needs.

Prepare why? As the adult, all responsibility is on you. Prepare yourself to wear a mask, encourage the little ones to wear their mask, for everyone to keep 6-foot distance, and wash hands. It is necessary to prepare your mind so that you can successfully navigate through holiday shopping with little ones safely during this pandemic.

B. Follow Through!

Keep your strength and discipline intact. After all the preparing it’s easy to become overwhelmed, but do not!

Follow through what? Your intent to bring your child(ren) with you while holiday shopping (before December 24).

Follow through when? ASAP. As soon as you’re mentally prepared and children are easily moved- GO! At any moment the vibes and energy can change, take advantage while everything feels right.

Follow through where? At the mall, Target, Walmart, or any other retailers you might shop at.

Follow through why? “It is the most wonderful time of the year!” No, jokes aside, this is a time of year of commercial happiness. Happiness brings more happiness. Embracing the holiday lights and decor is enchanting for you and the littles ones!

Follow through how? Start your follow through with talking about the events of the day and the importance of the safety measures, gather the child(ren) after they’ve ate and used the bathroom, verify your must-have pandemic and regular essentials are packed. Lastly, check that you’re in a clear head space. Holiday season should be a joyous time of the year despite the current conditions.

C. Celebrate!

You did it! They did it! You all did it, together! Tis the season to be close to your loved ones. If you, a single parent, have prepared for and followed through on this adventure of holiday shopping with child(ren) during a pandemic- time to celebrate! It’s the little things that count.

Celebrate who? Assuming no one got seriously hurt, the police weren’t called or any other heart aching activity, you and the little ones should celebrate.

Celebrate what? Holiday shopping safely during the pandemic. With the controversy of wearing or not wearing masks, give yourselves a round of applause for sticking to the safety measures while holiday shopping for family and friends. Celebrate how well the child(ren) behaved and how you mentally overcame the day.

Celebrate when? When your holiday shopping trip is over. Once you’re done with the task, it is time!

Celebrate where? You can take little ones for ice cream or pizza, movie night or cook their favorite meal at home, and other cool activities at home. For yourself, you may want to gift yourself before you leave the mall or possibly an adult beverage at a bar. You and the little ones celebrate how you’d like. Your celebration is definitely deserved!

Celebrate why? Like mentioned above, celebrate because you all deserve it! Although this might seem like a dark and gloomy year, we are in a bright ad cheerful time of year. It is difficult to be in the holiday spirit, but I encourage you to even celebrate the smallest of WINS.

This has been a year to remember. To me this means we have the opportunity to make it even more memorable. Choosing who, what, when, where, why, how, and other details of an event is similar to creating your own narrative. Happy Holidays! After the holiday season, I wish you and your family a happily ever after.

IG: @MOMMIELine

FB: Mommie Line

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About the Creator

Noelle

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