Today was the first full day of our holiday and my husband kindly agreed we could go to a car boot sale! I was really excited about this as there are never any near us in London and I always hear about people picking up great bargains. The car boot sale was at Newton Abbot Racecourse and opened at 9am.
The children never sleep well when we’re away from home so we were all up and out the door and arrived at the Racecourse just after 9. I was surprised to see people were already leaving with armfuls of stuff so we quickly parked and bundled the children into the double buggy. My eyes scanned round the place and I saw lots and lots of tables piled high with plants, toys, clothes, collectibles and stuff. I was happy.
That was, I was happy until the toddler realised he recognised most of the toys and there was an inordinate amount of Thomas the Tank Engine toys. Every type of engine, track and related game or toy was there. He doesn’t need any more toy train ever but I couldn’t resist a couple of engines for him. Then I realised my mistake. He thought if he pointed and said “Thomas” he could have it.
My husband and I are currently having a disagreement over me spoiling the toddler. My argument that second hand toys doesn’t equate to spoiling wears pretty thin when you see just how many toys he has. So after he was presented with the new-to-him engines AND a Thomas fuzzy felt we agreed I shouldn’t buy him any more toys. I’m just not sure an open field full of people was the best place to teach him this new lesson. Cue screams, tears and a tantrum from him whilst strapped in the buggy. It was embarrassing.
In hindsight I should have thought how appealing a car boot sale is to a toddler with colourful toys just at his height. It wasn’t quite an enjoyable as I had hoped and it might be another 6 months before we venture to another car boot! However my son had played with his new engines all day, sweetly carrying them around with him and I just can’t resist spending a couple of pounds when I know how happy it makes him! Aargh!
Linking up with flea market finds, magpie monday
Great article. Thanks for sharing. Looking forward for more awesome and interesting post.
It can be really tough with littlies. I’ve had the same battles myself.
No she’s a bit bigger I can bargain with her that she can have JUST ONE THING and it usually makes her much more choosey!
If there’s a next time I’m definitely leaving them with the husband!
hi lovie. im trying to get your parcel to you but havent got your address. can you email it to me please xx
Hey! I emailed you last week. I’ll re-send!
I remember Boo having terrible tantrums and people used to stop and literally stare which made it even worse! We had to stop taking him for a while as I found it too stressful! Now he’s bigger he is really good, understands he can’t have everything and can spot a bargain at 10 paces! E is quite happy seeing everything and the cb tantrums haven’t started yet..they will soon no doubt! I know exactly what you mean though, it doesn’t feel like spoiling them..then you look at how many things they have and GASP! Love the thomas the tanks! xxxx