Puja Sachdev | May 24, 2024 | Child Custody
Fashion Valley Mall in San Diego is an upscale shopping center with over 200 stores, including high-end international fashion houses like Prada, Cartier, Versace, and Louis Vuitton. The mall has several leading department stores, including Macy’s, Bloomingdale’s, and Nordstrom. The open-air environment is lovely for enjoying the gorgeous San Diego weather.
A day at Fashion Valley sounds terrific. You can shop at great stores and enjoy lunch at the Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s, or another one of the dining options. However, what if you are a solo parent with kids? Is it possible to navigate a trip to Fashion Valley Mall as a single parent?
Identifying Your Fears of Taking on Fashion Valley Mall as a Single Parent
The first step in preparing to take your children to Fashion Valley as a solo parent is identifying what you fear could go wrong. By pinpointing the potential problems you might face during the day, you can make a trip to Fashion Valley with your kids less stressful and safer.
A common fear is that your children will disappear. Kids tend to wander off when something interests them. You can avoid this problem with smaller children by using a stroller. A stroller keeps your children confined and is an excellent way of holding your purchases.
Another common problem with children at the mall is boredom, especially when they are not shopping for something for themselves. Electronics are a great way to keep children entertained in a stroller.
If you are concerned about them losing expensive electronics, consider purchasing an inexpensive electronic toy. Wal-Mart, Target, and Amazon are good resources for these items. A new item will keep children busier for a longer period.
Packing snacks and water is another must for a trip to the mall as a single parent. A small snack is another way to entertain a toddler in a stroller while you continue shopping.
Team Up With Another Parent for a Trip to Fashion Valley Mall in San Diego
If your child is older or you have multiple children, consider teaming up with another parent. Two pairs of eyes are better than one when supervising children at the mall. If you want to search for something specific or take a moment to look at something in detail, ask your teammate to watch the children. Then, you can return the favor to them.
Another option is hiring a babysitter to go to the mall. The babysitter’s job is to watch the children, not shop. Make that very clear to the sitter. You are paying them to help you with your children while you shop.
Take Several Breaks During Your Trip to Fashion Valley Mall
Toddlers and young children get tired of hours of shopping. Take breaks to have a snack and allow your children to play. There is a play area located near Macy’s at Fashion Valley Mall. Your children can play while you take a break and regroup.
You may also want to plan a lunch break for your shopping day. Eating lunch and taking a bathroom break halfway through the shopping trip provides the break kids need to reset after a couple of hours of looking at things that don’t interest them or trying on clothes and shoes.
Skip Big Sales and Busy Shopping Days
Crowds are not the most family-friendly times at a shopping mall. If you want to bargain-hunt during sales, consider leaving the kids home with a babysitter. Strollers can get in the way in large crowds, and kids can disappear quickly.
Shopping at Fashion Valley With Teenagers
As a single parent, taking teenagers shopping means you are in the minority. You may feel pressure to give in to the “group” demands.
However, you are in charge. You set the schedule and the rules. Reviewing the rules and expectations with tweens and teens before going to Fashion Valley is wise.
If you intend to shop for specific items, shopping for those items is the priority. Set a spending limit for each child and stick to that limit. If there are stores that will be off-limits, review that list with your children before heading to the mall to avoid arguments when you arrive.
What Should I Do if My Child Is Injured at Fashion Valley Mall in San Diego, CA?
A shopping trip can turn tragic if your child is injured at the mall. Slips, trips, and falls are common injuries at malls, as are accidents on stairs, elevators, and escalators.
Steps to take after an accident at the mall include:
- Call 911 for emergency medical services if needed
- Report the accident to the store and mall management
- Seek immediate medical treatment for your child
- If possible, take photographs of the accident area, including the hazard that caused your child’s injury
Contact an attorney to discuss your child’s rights and legal options after an accident at the mall. If you have problems with your child’s other parent because of an injury that occurred while your child was with you, contact a San Diego child custody attorney for help.
Contact Our Family Law Firm in San Diego, CA
Contact our experienced San Diego family law lawyers at San Diego Divorce Lawyers, APC today for legal assistance. Contact our San Diego office at (619) 866-3756 to schedule a free consultation.
San Diego Divorce Lawyers, APC
2851 Camino del Rio S #430
San Diego, CA 92108
