Window Shopping: Another Lost Art

When is the last time you took your child to the store just to have fun and spend some time together?  If you are like me shopping usually involves running in the store, getting things as fast as possible, and getting out in time to get to our next obligation.

Just recently I have begun taking my daughter window shopping.  For those of you not familiar with the concept, it is where you just look around but don't buy anything.  I can recall window shopping with my grandmother many, many times.  We always had fun together!  When I take my daughter, I pretty much let her take the lead.  She shows me the things she wants to look at, and we talk about what we see.  On our most recent trip, she pointed out the cans of Pepsi, found the aisle for Mommy's medicine, lined up toy trains, and heard the sounds of a toy police car.  She was so pleased to have Mommy's full attention and did not once ask to buy something.

Next time you feel like getting out of the house or just need to spend some quality time with your child, try the lost art of window shopping.