Make shopping fun for children.

Mar 16, 2007

IT is every parent’s nightmare when a child throws tantrum in public just because she or he wants something. It is also difficult to spank your child when everyone is watching. Diana Kintu, a parent, says: “I regretted the first time I went shopping with my two-year-old son. He insisted on havin

By Angela Nsimbi

IT is every parent’s nightmare when a child throws tantrum in public just because she or he wants something. It is also difficult to spank your child when everyone is watching.

Diana Kintu, a parent, says: “I regretted the first time I went shopping with my two-year-old son. He insisted on having almost every toy. When l told him that he could not have them, he threw a tantrum. I had to carry him out of the supermarket before coming back to complete my shopping.”

Kintu is not alone. Many parents go through the same ordeal. So, how do you shop with the children without having to endure such situations?

If you do not intend to buy the children anything, always tell them before leaving home. Like the saying goes: ‘Forewarned is forearmed.’ If anyone is uncomfortable with the arrangement, let them stay home. In this world that demands budgeting, buy each child a piggy bank, where they can save money to buy stuff that they fancy.

The piggy bank also trains them to save so that they know that money does not fall from heaven or grow on trees. Make shopping for that piggy bank a big event.

Everyone must be involved to help the children choose what they want. At Shoprite on Jinja Road, a piggy bank goes for sh5,000.

If you have budgeted to buy the children something, insist on how much they can take. Do not yield to their pressure. Children always want to test authority. They will push and see how far they can go.

If you take your stand, they will give up. Some parents fear seeing their children cry in public, but remember, they do not cry blood. Do not let them intimidate you with tears.

Teach children to make choices. For instance, if you have decided to buy ice and one of the children insists on ice cream and chocolate, let him or her choose one. Remember, shopping with children is a training ground for them since they watch everything you do.

If you indulge in impulsive buying, they will also learn that. Like the saying goes: “The parent is the best professor and the home is the best university.”

Make sure that you impart the appropriate life skills in them.

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