Dear Fairy Godmother,

This is my wish list for things that would make parenting a little easier...  this list is ever-growing, but if you can make any of these things happen, it would definitely help!  Do you also clean houses?

Sincerely,       

Mrs. Ducklings in a Row

SHOPPING LIST

1.  Special parking spaces for parents with little kids.  Similar to handicap parking or pregnant woman parking, except that these spaces would be aligned against the building so parents of little children would not have to walk all the way across dangerous parking lots to get inside the store.  Even the best behaved toddlers have broken free of an adult's super-grip; it is super scary when this happens in a parking lot.

(This is probably my #1 desperate want on any of my wish lists.  I think about it every time we cross a parking lot hand-in-hand.)

2.  More stores with baskets to hold multiple children.  More stores with CAR baskets!  Or more car baskets at the stores who already have them... because it is totally worth it to circle the parking lot 15 times waiting for one of those baskets to suddenly appear just to have a few quiet shopping moments while the kids "drive" the basket... AND BONUS!  I can shove several kids in that clown car.

3.  5-point harness for the child seat(s) on shopping carts.  My little Houdinis have been able to wiggle themselves free from those silly excuses for buckles since they first started riding in baskets.  I'd do duct tape, but 5-point harnesses are actually legal.

4.  More Free Samples!  This is why we love Sam's Club.  It is a well-known fact that shoving food in kids' mouths is the best way to keep them quiet and satisfied for an extended amount of time.  I would love for stores to have little cracker, goldfish and drink stations throughout the store.  Don't worry about any messes!  If your store would provide this service for me, I would gladly wet wipe any spills up!

5.  Emergency Diaper Bags!  On your way to the zoo and you accidentally left the diaper bag by the door?  No problem!  Just stop by your local Wal-Mart / Albertson's / Target / Super One (assuming it's closer to the zoo than your house) and pick up an emergency diaper bag:  tote bag with 2 diapers, a small pack of wipes, disposable changing pad, gender-neutral colored onesie, small snack and disposable sippy cup.  Did I just come up with a million dollar idea?  Copyright Kidspired Creations... is it that easy to copyright?

6. Short List Drive-Thru.  5-items or less, but PERFECT when you have a car full of kids, it's raining, and all you need are diapers.  This would also be awesome at gas station convenient stores for those times where you just want to drive through and get a candy bar.  Those times are many for me, so perhaps this wouldn't be the best idea... eh... I'll keep it on the list.