grocery store learning

Everyday is a learning experience.  The grocery store is a great way for kids to learn the value of the almighty dollar.  Whether they are little ones or teens, this is a great life lesson. 

Going to the 'big' grocery store is a half of day experience for us.  We live near several small towns with a few grocers, but to get the good prices and to buy in bulk we have to drive about 30 miles one way.  I know what you are thinking.... '30 miles, that is nuts', right?  Well, it is mostly country views with no heavy traffic.  Anyway, a trip to the grocery store is very exhausting for me.

First, the kids and I make a list.  We do an inventory check in the food pantry and the refrigerator.  (Hopefully I remember to bring the list.)

When we get there, I give my two younger ones (ages 9 & 13) a list of things that they are responsible for.  My oldest (almost 16 yrs. old) gets to stay home because he is needed to unload :)  The boys know that their job is to find the best deal.  They have learned that sometimes 'bigger, isn't better'.  My 13 year old gets a price limit too.  For example, I tell him that he has to get a certain five things AND stay under $20.  (Of course I know how much they will all be.)  I also give the list to one of them sometimes and let them check things off.  The 9 yr. old loves to do this.

They know that the work begins at the check out line.  They both help get everything onto the assembly belt.  Then the 13 yr. old gets the bags and puts them into the cart all organizing to make sure they all fit. 

We all guess how much the food bill will be.  Most of the time they are pretty close.

When we get home, the 9 yr. old is the door man, the 15 yr. old hauls in the bags and the 13 yr. old unpacks.  They all help mom unpack and put away when the groceries are all in. 

Maybe this isn't a typical homeschool day, but why shouldn't it be?  They are all learning responsibility, math skills, organizing skills, meal planning, the value of a dollar and most importantly they are learning how to be a servant. 

The Bible tells us in Galatians 5:13 "For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."