I cleared it with my boss to leave a little early that day. I was excited to pick up my little guy and go to my favorite store. We needed to get a birthday present as well as a few other things. Perhaps I also needed a caffeinated beverage from the in-store Starbucks…
Happy as always to see my baby boy at the end of a work day, I gleefully loaded him into his crumb-covered car seat. While I drove he talked in the background and flipped through one of his favorite books, his feet occasionally kicking the back of my seat.
We pulled into the parking lot and I eyed a red cart right next to my car. We got out and I set him in the front and as I secured him I heard the familiar “click” of the nylon strap.
He smiled his cute little-boy smile at me as I pushed our way through the electronic doors and the cool air blew my hair back and refreshed me from the sweltering heat outside. I was thrilled to have a little shopping time.
I ended up in the “dollar spot” even though I’d told myself I wouldn’t. But few can resist cute socks and magnetic notepads for a $1.
After putting $5 worth of things I probably didn’t need in my cart, I pushed on to the toy section. I needed a gift for our soon-to-be-two Godson and I was sure that Ben would be excited to help me pick something out.
But I was wrong.
Instead he was completely distracted by the huge bin of plastic bouncy balls and kept saying, “BALL! BALL! BALL!!” over and over again.
I told him “No ball today” as I turned down an aisle with toddler-sized tool benches and mega blocks.
He did not care. By the time I stopped at the other end of the aisle there were enormous tears streaming down his scarlet face and I was sure the entire store could hear him hollering “BAAAAALLL!!!”.
I was determined to stand my ground.
For about 1.2 minutes.
And then I got him out of the cart and let him pick which color he wanted because my ears hurt so badly and I was thoroughly embarrassed.
That day I promised myself never to take a toddler by the huge ball container at Target ever again.
Lesson learned.
This week the prompt was: Write a post that either starts or ends with the words “Lesson learned.” Word limit: 400 words My count is 401. 
ohhhh, i have been there so. many. times.
Wonderful…
I actually usually let Alex play with one that we put back when we leave the toy section. I…don’t know if that’s a fail or not actually.
Oh yeah! I’ve been in that aisle, with that kid!
Yes! Exactly! I know that moment well!
Yep been there with my now grown son. he used to beg for anything that remotely resembled a toy. Hard as I tried I just couldn’t stand my ground most the time. Loved your story it brought back irrating memories.
Oh, this shouldn’t make me laugh, but it does. In empathy only, I promise you, because I have learned to take multiple detours down meaningless aisles to avoid toy sections at stores.
Also, I KNEW it was Target as soon as I read the description of the red, plastic cart. I *heart* Target.
This was perfectly written, from the description of the air-conditioned blast of air to the awful, inconsolable yearning for the ball.
Oh GF, so been there {sadly}, done that {ahem- repeatedly}.
Love the descriptions of your excitement to shop and your little guy’s excitement about the ball!
XO
At this point, I try to avoid the entire toy side of stores!
Toy aisles in store are just plain evil.
And don’t think for second that the marketing people don’t know what kids will tantrum over…and then put it right on the end of the aisles so to be sure the kids see them.
First time visiting and commenting here. LOVE your blog!
Is it bad as soon as you mentioned the in-store Starbucks I knew you were heading to Target??
There have been quite a few bribery purchases made there from me with the intent to keep their crap together.
I’m addicted to those dollar bins at Target. And you’re right I never really need anything from them, but they’re so addictive anyway!
I’ll definitely keep this lesson in mind next time I take my two year old nephew to Target. I know just how loud he can get when he wants something…whew. Bless you and all mothers
Stopping by from TRDC.
Wait…your Target has a Starbucks. Officially jealous.
Also, I am really fighting the gimmies. God, it’s exhausting. Every time we shop, it’s a beg-fest.
Heh heh. They still have those bouncy ball bins. My kids love them.
Sadly I still have not learned this lesson.
There are 64 balls in my basement.
Been there. Heard that tantrum.
Damn those Ball cages.
Or, down the princess aisle, which is our problem!