That might be one reason, but I suspect that another point in the article might serve as an alternative explanation: parents have become more and more (over?)-protective of their children. So they won't leave them at home even for 30 minutes when they have to go shopping. But that's pure speculation.
Don't forget that both parents work in many more families between the studies. Maybe people are just getting time in with their kids when they can and that includes errands.
Agree completely. When I was a kid, my mom would be gone whole days shopping, doing errands, etc. Now, kids are more likely to be taken with parents due to safety fears.
