The premise came about when John Hughes told Lauren Shuler Donner about a disastrous experience he had looking after his two children while his wife was away. Donner found it hilarious. Hughes asked if that could make a good movie, and Donner replied that "it sure sounds funny to me". Hughes wrote the film, and flew to Los Angeles to re-write the script with Donner.
Jack is the only male shopper in the entire grocery store.