If you are a parent, then you will be more than aware of the dread that many of us feel at the idea of taking the kids on a shopping trip. Whether it’s a visit to the grocery store or a trip to the mall, it can be extremely stressful for everyone. The more children you have, the more difficult it can be, but there are ways to make it easier for you – and them!
Here are 4 tips to make shopping with kids easier.
Explain in advance
If your kids are old enough to communicate with, it’s a good idea to let them know the plans for the day. Tell them you are going shopping and let them know how you expect them to behave.
If they know what to expect, they will be far more likely to behave themselves, which will make the trip a lot more enjoyable for you all.
Reward good behavior
Although your kids should do as they are told and shouldn’t need to be coaxed into it, we all know that sometimes a bit of innocent bribery is a necessity! Shopping isn’t exactly fun for them, so it’s no wonder they might start playing up.
By offering a reward for good behavior, they will be more inclined to do as you ask and think before they play up. The reward can be anything from a new toy, a candy bar, or perhaps a trip for some ice cream or cake after your trip is over.
Keep them close by
Keeping your children close by will make shopping a lot easier. If they are running around and getting up to mischief, not only could you end up embarrassed, but they could get injured. It’s easy for a child to trip and fall or get hurt by something falling on them. Statistics suggest that those are some of the most common incidents that lead to personal injury claims made against stores like Walmart, so for their safety, make sure they are not left to their own devices.
If they are small enough, put them in your shopping cart or if your kids are slightly older, consider using reins so they can’t go very far without you. It will make the experience easier for you and will be far more pleasant for your fellow shoppers too.
Write a shopping list
Before heading off, it’s wise to write a shopping list, so you don’t have to spend more time than necessary wandering around the store. It’s also wise to stick with essentials and do your other shopping online or when the children aren’t with you.
Try not to lose focus when you get there. Yes, it may be nice wandering around and having a browse, but it is only a matter of time until boredom strikes and your children could start to become upset. In short, buy what you need and get out of there as soon as you can!
