I recently took my 3 year old son shopping with me to Jersey Garden mall. I was a little hesitant on it because usually I go on my own and he stays home with the sitter. I said to my self I will give it a try. We arrived at the mall a little bit earlier then opening time and had time to walk around and look at the windows because all the stores were still closed. He was really happy to be there with me and was asking a ton of questions and looking around. I felt like I was dealing with a child who grew up right before my eyes. I decided to write this post because of something he did in one of the stores that really surprised me. We went into daffys and I am thinking to my self wow the tantrum is about to start, he will never be able to handle sitting in the stroller and me walking around and looking at things. I thought from experience with my older son that he will want to come out and run around the store like a nut and touch everything in his way. I was so wrong he sat in his stroller the entire time and spoke to me and looked around. Then we came to a section with toys. I was like oh god this is it. He saw two of his favorite cartoon characters toys. Dora and Boots from Dora the Explorer.He asked me if I can give it to him. I said sure thinking to my self I will probobly buy one for him if he plays with it the entire time I am spending in this store and really wants one that has a hard time letting go. I gathered all the things I needed and as I am heading for the register “I say to him lets say bye bye to dora and boots” and he says to me “ok mama here you go”. My eyes almost popped out I could not believe this was really him. What I am trying to say here is that it is totaly possible to take a 3 year old shopping and come home only with stuff you intended to purchase. I did have to plan my morning around him. I knew that we have to be done by 12 so he can nap. Otherwise it is getting much easier to be with him and do things that I need to get done.