There's a good post over at Blogging Baby about how retailers are increasingly catering to kids—and making it easier for parents to shop and eat in their stores.

Case in point: TWH is out of town, so Baby A and I headed over a local, funky quick-serve pizza shop for dinner. While she was ringing up our order, the cashier pointed out there was a supply of kid-entertaining things in a cabinet under the flatware and condiments. We checked it out, and sure enough, there were crayons and paper, some little books, and a few stuffed animals and dolls. Baby A got to pick out a few thing to take to our table, and it was enough to keep her relatively still and quiet until our slices and salads came.

Whew. Any little help, I'll gladly take.

The Blogging Baby piece notes that kids' spending now totals $700 billion annually. Sure, but who's driving the car? (smile)