Walking to the shop, take a deep breath. This shopping trip can go well!!
As we’re shopping let your children help you pick out fruit and veggies in the produce department, enjoying counting the number of apples they add to the bag, the different colours of peppers to choose from, and the funny names of the melons.
Set Expectations
Before going into the store tell your children exactly what you expect from them.
Expect that they:
- will stay nearby and not run through the store
- will try to be aware of other people and not get in their way
- will not throw a fit if they don’t get something
- will be helpful and participate in the process.
- Before we step foot in the store, remind them of my expectations.
Make A List
Go armed in the supermarket with clipboards, paper, and pencils, ready to check off each and everything on your lists.
- Giving them a helpful children friendly activity or task keeps them engaged in the shopping experience.
- Make Kids Your Helper
- continually engaging the children in the shopping process.
Not only does this keep them from getting bored and restless, it also teaches them how to shop.
If you use these new tools, most of the time you will actually enjoy your shopping trips together. It’s not always perfect and there will be times when you have a rough day, but that’s life?
