81 replies to this topic

[dbaby4ever]

O.k. I am at a dilemma. I am not sure if I will have anybody to watch ds on BF. I really don't like the idea of taking him along but I don't want to miss the good deals. (He's too little to really realize I am shopping for him.) Does it aggravate you when people drag their kids out at such an early time?

[amberjobryant]

it really depends on the kid, if yours is not the fussy type ie......mommy i'm cold, mommy i'm tired, can we go home now.........the whole time that you are in line making you and everyone around you misserable, then go for it, if not then beg, borrow or steal a babysitter even if it is a middle school girl or something.......

[shopping mom]

My kids would have been miserable out. Do you know anyone he can spend the night with and maybe they can bring him to you when he wakes up. Better yet if they are willing to trade babysitting with you, you will babysit for them for free to give whoever a day away too. If we were in line together it would not bother me he was there, I would just feel sorry for him having to be out so early.

[msomnipotent]

It depends on the weather and the store. I definitely would not take a young child to Walmart. It gets beyond crazy and he can get hurt or even trampled.

[dcdrogers]

Hello, Folks who bring their kids don't aggravate me any, but it might drive you bonkers if he is very young. People tend to be really rushed and pushy (depending on where you plan on shopping) so just be careful. ~Dee

[amberjobryant]

I know for many years my cousin would come over and stay with my kids (she was like in 6th grade), they would be asleep most of the time and we always made sure to get back by 8 or 9 when they were getting up, we didn't get to spend alot of time out but at least we got the toys we needed for them and then sometimes we would go back out with them

[conj]

how old is he?

[cassgurlie04]

I know how it is to have to have your child out on black friday as one year my parents had to take my son along with them because i was working for walmart and they were my baby sitter but were going shopping. So fortunatley for them they had some great people in line around them and helped to limit pushing and shoving going into the store and once they got through the door it was still crowded but not as much madness and running into people. If you have no other choice make sure he is bundled tight, and carry him until your in the store if your going to be waiting in a line to make sure he doesnt get caught up in the mad stampede when the doors open.

[sdigman6]

It really does depend on the child.

My ds who is 12 he went last year and was fun to have with me! he was able to get things that I could not get to. He would squeeze his way by no problem for me.
He loved going never complained he kept asking what next ? he enjoyed the thrill of the hunt, the crowds all that as much as me and my girlfriend. He asked how much longer until WE can go again.
NOW on the flip side my dd who is 9 she is not going ( still a believer) but she is the type to complain how cold she is, her feet are tired she is hungry etc etc. She will not be going until that stage is over and because I know her so well it will not be anytime soon I don't think

Another option is maybe you can find a girl who wants to go shopping but is willing to watch your son. bring her along have her keep a eye on him while you cruise the aisles. Pay her decently of coarse. they get to do what they want and you get to do what you want and your sons needs will be met. She can maybe stay in a warm car with him early in the morning while your in a store. If there was something she wanted you can grab it for her maybe.

Just a idea

[siczlo]

Depending on his age and size, I would worry about him getting hurt.

[nebraskaparkfan]

I've never brought my kids. Too early, too cold (I"m in Nebraska) and too pushy. Last year, my son who was 13 tagged along b/c he's taller than most adults. (He's now 14 and 6'2"). My babysitter had a sleepover on Thanksgiving night for all the kids. They had an air mattress and movies and popcorn and we got our kids the next morning after shopping. She didn't charge much if you were willing to grab some items for her while shopping! and the kids loved it.

[Scanner420]

O.k. I am at a dilemma. I am not sure if I will have anybody to watch ds on BF. I really don't like the idea of taking him along but I don't want to miss the good deals. (He's too little to really realize I am shopping for him.) Does it aggravate you when people drag their kids out at such an early time?

I'm assuming that he's under three with that statement.

I really wouldn't risk the cold weather and rude people to save a few bucks, especially with on-line shopping available. I know it's not Black Friday with the crowds and the traffic, but you gotta think of DS first! sorry.

[abentley]

My DS11 is begging, and actually crying because he wants to go soo badly. My DH has told him over and over how ugly it can be,yet he is so wanting to go! He is the one who really gets into the value of a dollar, and searches out great deals. He out of all of my kids would be the one to take, my dd20 loathes shopping, yet she is my partner this year! If the kids can enjoy it...it is something to consider!

[sundevils]

It really REALLY depends on the kid and where you are at. I live in Phoenix. My son would be fine with a light jacket and a pillow. He is a great sleeper and nothing fazes him. He is up early in the morning anyways so this would just be a little earlier than usual. I am planning on taking my son who will be 20months at the time and taking a little pop up tent so that he can sleep in line without all the distraction and then after Best Buy I will take him home to an early nap (for both of us). I know a lot of people frown on the kids in line, but only you know if your kid can handle it. I would never take my daughter (now 5). She is my whine child. She would be asking if it was time to go the minute we got in line. My son on the other hand is easy going. Plus I will be thee with my MIL my SIL my FIL my husband My other SIL, and possibly my sister so I will have PLENTY of help with the little guy. If you have someone to help you, I say go for it.

[chefboyrmike]

We start way to early for our kids and go most of the day . I know how we feel at the end of the day they def. couldn't handle . However if I had no choice they would have to come . My dad is reserved every year for babysitting black friday.

[arci122]

Wouldn't take mine. Too many safety concerns, and I want to be able to shop for them.

[JohnnyLaRue]

I have no kids (and never will) but last year there was a mother with child in line behind me and the child (grade 4? grade 5?) was a pleasure. Asked what I was shopping for and told me "I hope you get want you want" . Very talkative (but polite) child who asked me lots of questions. Flipside is two years ago there was a mother with a child (grade 3?) who was loud and wailed away about how they wanted to go home, how they had to pee, how they were hungry...etc the kid also ran up and down the line screaming and shouting. Almost got hit twice by a car running around the parking lot too! I guess it is a matter of safety. Not to mention my fear is running into a kid who is knee high!

[Princess7915]

I say take them if you must but be prepared to leave if they start to go south. Kids can turn on a dime from fine and dandy to maniacs! I would all the chaos would be overwhelming to a really small child. However, you know your little one best and if you think they can handle a few hours then I would chance it to snag some good BF shopping.

[mom2pckm]

I took my youngest daughter a few years ago, she was about 3 then she did really well, she stayed out with us in line, then when she got sleepy i put her in the van and we took turns sleeping with her...when it was time to rush in i put her in the buggy and she didnt complain or get grumpy she was just entralled with all the people...and then she got to eat mcd's for breakfast all in all it was ok...... now this year my big babys want to go (my 18 year old son and soon to be 14 year old daughter!!!)

[Illinoismom]

Ive taken my oldest since she was 10 she is now 21, My son started going when he was 13 he will soon be 18 my youngest daughter since she was 9 she is now 11 not sure about my youngest he is 9 this year, We are up and out of the house by 1:00am or earlier and in walmart. One year I had my daughter with me the oldest and my son was at target and my husband was at Mernards this worked out great

[BrandyJervas]

The way I see it is you gotta do what you gotta do if you have no choice then take him just make sure you bring enough shut up things and he's a boy so I'm sure he wouldn't mind going potty outside lol and make sure he's warm but you still have 1 1/2 months to get a sitter. My fiance usually stays home w/the kids but I think I'm going to drag him this year and get my dad

[baseballmom16]

I wouldn't take kids on BF. Too many people who lose their minds over things. Pushing, shoving.. not a place for kids.

[theboyzmom]

no way would I take a little one....early in the morning, bad weather, pushing and shoving people...my sil took her baby one year and it almost got pushed over IN A CART! you can sometimes not even FIND a cart or if you get one, you can't push it through the aisles...how are you going to hold items AND your child? Not to mention potty, tired, etc I missed out on BF for YEARS and YEARS cause I either had to work retail or I didn't have a sitter...believe me, you will find other deals...your child's well-being isn't worth it

[com]

I would never consider taking one of my younger kids(7,9,12), it's just too cold and crazy. They are much happier at home, and I'm much happier with them at home. I might let my 16 and 15 yr olds tag along this year, they've been asking, I'm still debating. Start looking for a sitter now, lock someone in. It will be worth it to not have to worry about some nut case knocking your child over for a $4 waffle iron.

[dmmiller]

I'm in the dilema this year.. no sitter and DH is working

If you can wait till the initial "rush" is over with and If you have no one to watch him
and you have to take him, then go around 7-8am. Its not that early for him and most of the pushing and shoving will be overwith. And a lot of the stuff is still there.

[MusicMama]

My daughter is 15 and has gone out with us since she was 1, with the exception of the year that she didn't want to get up in time - hubby had to take her to day care as he was working that day and she cried and cried til I picked her up for late breakfast. She's always been terrific - of course, when she was a baby, the pushing/shoving thing wasn't really as bad as it is now! I have 2 pictures in my mind: her sleeping in the good umbrella stroller in KBToys with toys on the umbrella lid and toys all around her; and her being in KBToys dragging a sled with all our stuff on it. Her reward for the sled dragging was the sled (and she was really happy with that). She's a great "runner", and I'd be lost on BF without her. Nowadays, she negotiates a "gift" in advance for her hard work.

[krissy72]

My Daughter, 10, wants to go with me this year. I don't know if I want to take her or not. How can I get things for her if she is with me? Will she slow me down? I'm kinda thinking when it comes down to it, she won't want to wake up that early anyway.

[afrey66]

I take my daughter. She's 5. Keep in mind we live in AZ where the weather is pretty nice and I don't start until we wake up. I won't get up in the middle of the night to hit the stores.

[lilac100]

My DS17 is camping out at best buy this year. My DS10 I wouldn't dream of taking with me. He is a whiner. Why can't we just go home? is one of his favorite things to say. If you can find someone to spend the night at your house and stay after you leave for a few hours. That would be the ideal arraingment. If not maybe do the shopping but not the outside lines. Go after the store is open so he doesn't get to cold and cranky waiting to go in.

[harrispizza4]

I took DD10 with me last year and she did great! I have to say that she's 5'2 so she dosen't look like a 10yo. She never complained once, she stayed by my side at all times and even saved her own money for things she wanted. She had no problem getting up at 3 am to stand in line at Kohl's.......she was just as excited as us adults were! She loves to shop so I knew she would do great.....but I would never take DS8 or DD7 yet.