Mom Confessions: I Let My Toddler Eat Food Before Paying For It

It's time for a Mom Confession -- because, let's face it, we're real mothers and sometimes it doesn't work the way the parenting books say it should.

This Week's Confession:

I let my son eat or drink food from the grocery store before actually buying it. I see nothing wrong with it. It keeps him content and I plan to pay for it, so what's the big deal? I've gotten dirty looks for it several times and can't understand why. --anonymous

I do it all the time! We will even go get our son a new train or something like that, and if he's good, he can even open it and play with it while we shop. I'm going to pay for it anyway, so what difference does it make? --anonymous

Poll Results

Question: Should toddlers eat or drink grocery store merchandise before mom pays at the checkout?

Yes, it's fine anytime.

57%

Yes, but only if the child is acting up.

18%

No, it gives children the wrong message.

18%

No, it's illegal.

7%

Total Votes: 559

Only CafeMom members can vote on polls.
Sign up for an account or Click here to log in.

Poll

Should toddlers eat or drink grocery store merchandise before mom pays at the checkout?

Yes, it's fine anytime.

Yes, but only if the child is acting up.

No, it gives children the wrong message.

No, it's illegal.

Only CafeMom members can vote on polls.
Sign up for an account or Click here to log in.

Total Votes: 559

View Results

 

What type of message, if any, does this practice send? Should grocery stores be considered restaurants? What does it teach our children about self-control and instant gratification?

We all have secrets -- so thanks to these brave moms for sharing their honest thoughts, and thank you for keeping this conversation non-judgemental!

 

Past Confessions:

I Scold Other People's Kids

I'm on Vacation, But My Kid Is Still Going to Day Care

I Favor My Older Child