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Helpful Tips When Shopping With Your Child
For many moms shopping with their young children can feel like a daunting task due to the fear of that dreaded temper tantrum. With a fun attitude, and being as prepared as possible; moms can turn a potential nightmare shopping trip into a fun learning experience for her and her little one(s).
Here are some helpful tips to make your shopping trip easier:
The time of day and how your child is feeling are important to consider before heading out the door. Shopping mid morning (shortly after breakfast) or after your child's afternoon nap are two great times to ensure a happy well fed, well rested child.
Be organized. Have a list ready to check items off as you place the items in your cart, this will ensure a quick trip. When shopping with infants bring a shopping cart cover that holds toys and pockets for snacks. A shopping cart cover protects you infant from germs that are on the handle of the cart. They also keep baby safe in the cart with safety straps. Have finger food snacks on hand such as Cheerios or crackers and a sippy cup with juice or water. Have a hand sanitizer handy as well.
Prepare your young child reminding them of family rules and limits when at the store. Preschoolers and older children feel more safe and learn best when there are rules and limits in place for them to know how far to go with their own behaviour. Before you leave remind your child of your family rules such as using a quiet voice, asking for help when needed and to stay close to you at all times.
A fun book to read to your little one(s) that deals with temper tantrums in stores is called 'Llama Llama Mad at Mama' by Anna Dewdney.
This story also teaches your child how to work as a team and having fun with mom when at the store. While in the store monitor your child's behaviour and feelings to avoid melt downs. If your child is becoming cranky finish shopping right away and come back another time if you did not get all that you needed. A happy child ensures a happy mom. If in the event of a melt down/temper tantrum leave the cart and store with your child right away and go back another day.
Young children can become bored easily or feel overwhelmed / intimidated by all the people and isles of products when at the store. Keep toddlers and preschoolers entertained by playing an "I Spy" game searching for colours and pictures on product boxes they are familiar with. Young children enjoy feeling involved. Here is an activity you can prepare with your child at home then implement the activity at the store.
Shopping List Helper:
Your little one(s) will have fun choosing the foods they enjoy and be involved in planning the shopping list for the family. Their shopping list can help them feel like a big kid and have fun looking for the food items on their list at the grocery store.
Learning Experience:Mom can print their child's name at the top of the paper to personalize their shopping list and a great way to learn to recognize their name in print. Preschoolers can practice printing their name at the top of the page.
Preschool children can learn to categorize the pictures of the food into the five food groups (vegetables, meat, dairy and alternatives, grain and fruit).
Talk about vegetables that are available in winter to put in soups, casseroles and stews that make great quick make ahead meals for the whole family.
*Tip: Toddlers will need assistance from mom to cut the pictures out of the flyers.
Materials:Paper
Glue stick (a glue stick is easier for a young child to use and less messy for the craft)
Child sized scissors
A variety of grocery store flyers
When you are prepared, have set limits and create a fun experience for you and your child before you know it every time you go shopping with your child you won't have to worry about temper tantrums instead laughter and a fun learning experience for your child.
- Heather Langdon is an Early Childhood Educator and Owner of Ayling's Great Baby Company
