My children hate going shopping, be it food shopping or clothes shopping. If their fantastic mummy could choose the right clothes and shoes for them they would be ever so happy. Unfortunately fantastic mummy (FM) has decided that going shopping for clothes and shoes without the children is not fun. Not since FM has had to drive back to the shops to exchange the clothes/shoes as she got the wrong size, colour, type, style, etc..

So in an effort to keep the little darlings entertain, FM has decided to take her brood to the biggest shopping centre in Yorkshire. What could go wrong?

Apart from the fact that child number 1 freaks out when in a busy shopping centre, that child number 2 becomes the child from hell, alternating low blood sugar and sugar rush, and that child number 3 does not want to spend his time waiting while his sisters try to find the right bag, belt, trousers, top, shoes. He would rather be abandoned in the book shop.

After having spent a lovely day with the cousins FM drives the brood to the shopping centre. It started well. The car park was almost empty so child 1 did not freak straight away. In fact thinking about it she was fine except when we were in the main passage ways but the shops were very empty.

Child 2 decided to behave as long as I kept buying food. Child 3 was an angel as he wanted a wii game and did not have quite enough money on him.

The children had vouchers so we targeted the right shops and bought bags, belt, trousers without trying anything despite FM repeating her new mantra: try to make sure it fits. We also bought books.

Then once home FM said can you try on your new trousers so daddy can see them. Grr only one pair fitted. So it will be another trip to another branch closer to us to change the trousers.

Let’s face it I hate shopping and so do my children. I have decided that from now on until they are old enough to go shopping without me they will have to survive on donations from friends and family.