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Rules for Shopping and Managing Children’s Misbehavior While Shopping
I need to go shopping once or twice a week and I have to take my child with me. He hates going shopping, so he usually insists on buying chocolate and then starts whining, crying, and throwing tantrums in the store.
Think About It
Often, it’s not the shopping itself that children object to but the stressful and rushed way parents go about it. Additionally, many adult activities are unappealing to children, and the long duration of shopping trips is usually beyond their patience.
What Should You Do?
Consider Shopping Trips as an Event, Not a Mission:
This is a great time to accomplish two things at once: getting your shopping done and spending quality time with your child. If you are a busy and multitasking parent, you will find that this mindset and your stress easily transfer to your child.
Plan More Time for Shopping:
When you are not in a hurry, both you and your child will be calmer and have a more pleasant time. If you must rush, prepare a list in advance and stick to it. Wandering through the store for random purchases extends the shopping time and makes the child restless.
Involve Your Child in the Shopping:
Pick up two similar products and ask your child for their opinion on which one to buy. Giving their opinion on what goes into the cart can be very exciting and challenging for children. Children who can read may enjoy having a short list of items to find.
Acknowledge Your Child’s Interests:
“Wow, those cookies look delicious.” Follow this with a statement explaining why you won’t buy the cookies without sounding reproachful, for example, “But we’re not buying cookies today.”
Create a Wish List:
Before entering the store, inform your child about what you will and will not buy that day. If possible, allow your child to choose one treat each time you go shopping. This way, they will understand not to request an endless list of items and will learn to make purposeful decisions.
Have Consistent Rules:
If you shop frequently, writing down five or six shopping rules on a note card and placing it in the car can be helpful. Review the rules with your children each time before going shopping.
What Should You Avoid Doing?
Don’t Take a Hungry Child Grocery Shopping:
You might not plan this intentionally, but it happens. If it’s been an hour or two since your child’s last meal, the first item on your list should be a snack that your child can eat while shopping. A pack of biscuits or a cake can work wonders in reducing hunger.
Don’t Take a Tired Child Shopping:
Avoid planning shopping trips close to your child’s nap time. Tired children are more likely to be fussy and impatient.
Avoid Shopping During Busy Hours:
If possible, schedule your shopping trips to avoid peak hours. Crowded stores mean longer lines and more difficulty. A quiet and less crowded store will help you stay less stressed. A cashier or store manager can suggest the best times for shopping.
