Running errands with little ones can be stressful. Here are a few ideas that may help.
Shopping can be overstimulating for both child and parent. Noise, bright lighting, crowds, and time limits can all add up to a frazzled breakdown. Life is about expectations. To prepare in advance, let your child know where you’re going and what behavior is expected.
If you have something fun planned for after shopping that's good to mention, but no rewards for simply behaving.
Some parents get lunch or a snack at the store deli/cafe before they start. Then everyone can shop without hunger pains!
Is there a special little toy or something that acts as your child's shopping buddy. Bring it along. This can be a whole game in itself. You might ask your child who wants to go to the store with us today. Your child can play tour guide and explain to their stuffed friend how everything works at the store.
When your child is ready, they can have their own little list and help with the shopping. It may slow you down a bit now, but it sets a positive pattern for the future and allows your child to be genuinely involved in the process.
Grocery stores are a great place to play search games. You can spy colors, numbers, shapes, and words depending on your child's age.
Lastly, try not to shop when you’re pressed for time. Some days you have no choice, but for regular shopping trips everyone will behave better and enjoy the experience more if there’s no rush!
Here a post about learning opportunities at the grocery store…
https://easylivingmom.com/the-importance-of-taking-a-young-child-grocery-shopping/
