We have discovered something utterly fabulous here in Ohio.
No, I’m not talking about Jeni’s Ice Cream (though it is utterly delicious, pun intended).
It’s something much more vital and important to my family’s well being.
Our grocery store has a day care area.
Yes, the big, sprawling Mid-West grocery store with the fully stocked walk-in beer fridge and massive toy section is also complete with a day care center.
I know, I was stunned at first, too, and initially dismissed the idea. What kind of run-down, bastard-child-of-McPlayPlace would be stationed inside a Giant Eagle? Will my kids catch all sorts of diseases by playing with run down milk crates and mops at the grocery store day care? And do they really play, or is it just like those plastic chairs stationed in front of a television with Caillou on a loop at a Gymboree store?
No. On the contrary, far from it.
The Eagle’s Nest, as they like to call it, is the drop-off “day care” facility inside my grocery store. And my kids absolutely love it.
My husband was the first one to realize there was a drop-off daycare in Giant Eagle and put it to the test. Me? I wasn’t so sure.
But upon looking at it the first visit, I was sold on the idea. They have a plethora of educational and popular toys for kids to play with, computers, books, you name it. It’s super clean and bright and doesn’t look like a prison cell. It’s run by folks that are qualified child care professionals, not the lazy-eyed guy that bags your eggs and Funions.
The whole sign-in/sign-out procedure is pretty secure, as is the locked door to get in, so I have no fear that my child will become a flight risk. And as you walk away, they give you a little walkie-talkie, should you need to come back to bring your child to the bathroom.
Oh, and did I mention that this is FREE?
I mean, how AWESOME is that?
Let me just say, for the most part, my kids are pretty well behaved in the grocery store. Minus the typical fights of “you’re taking up too much space in this tiny plastic car!” and having my patience tested with the jack-in-the-box springing from the Car Buggy to “help” put groceries in the cart for me.
And before anyone gets all “You need to teach your kids how to entertain themselves and behave during errands!” or “You’re outsourcing your job!” I’ll admit that, yes, I have felt that guilt as I’ve wheeled my rickety cart down the aisle, away from the Eagle’s Nest, to do my shopping in peace.
But to have the luxury of doing my grocery shopping without fear of my kids plowing down an entire line of Grey Goose with one single arm swipe is pretty indulgent. I know I get my shopping done quicker. My kids have a great time playing and don’t have to occupy themselves within the confines of a 2×2 metal cart. Win. Win.
Now, if only they had this deal at Target.
Does your grocery store have drop-in child care? And if so, have you used it? Weigh in below in the comments…
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