Make shopping with kids fun
Aug 14, 2009
GROCERY shopping with children is one activity many parents dread. The children’s demand for snacks and toys makes it cumbersome and expensive. However, you can make a shopping trip with kids enjoyable and less expensive.
By Agnes Kyotalengerire
GROCERY shopping with children is one activity many parents dread. The children’s demand for snacks and toys makes it cumbersome and expensive. However, you can make a shopping trip with kids enjoyable and less expensive.
Below are tips:
Before you go shopping, list the items you need. It is important that you talk about healthy foods as opposed to snacks. This will help to play down their expectations. For example, encourage them to pick an orange instead of sweets and biscuits.
To minimise demands for snacks or juice, pack juice or snacks for them.
When a child insists on you buying a particular toy, simply say ‘no’. The most important part of saying ‘no’ is conveying to the child that you are on their side, even if you cannot buy that toy immediately. It might help to add phrases like, “That is nice. Take a good look and when we get home, we’ll add it to your wish list.â€
Children are curious. If the child wants to examine an attractive item, do not scold them. Instead, help the child to hold the item safely, or let them know that it can be viewed without being touched. Adding phrases like “This is breakable, so let’s just look at it†will help to share the child’s enthusiasm even if you cannot buy the item.
Children too get tired and hungry. When they do, cut the trip short because shopping can wait; but an exhausted or hungry child cannot.
Shop in the morning when the markets are less crowded.
To keep a child occupied, choose shopping carts with toy cars attached.
Control the children, do not let them run around pushing trolleys, they may slip and cause damage.
GROCERY shopping with children is one activity many parents dread. The children’s demand for snacks and toys makes it cumbersome and expensive. However, you can make a shopping trip with kids enjoyable and less expensive.
Below are tips:
Before you go shopping, list the items you need. It is important that you talk about healthy foods as opposed to snacks. This will help to play down their expectations. For example, encourage them to pick an orange instead of sweets and biscuits.
To minimise demands for snacks or juice, pack juice or snacks for them.
When a child insists on you buying a particular toy, simply say ‘no’. The most important part of saying ‘no’ is conveying to the child that you are on their side, even if you cannot buy that toy immediately. It might help to add phrases like, “That is nice. Take a good look and when we get home, we’ll add it to your wish list.â€
Children are curious. If the child wants to examine an attractive item, do not scold them. Instead, help the child to hold the item safely, or let them know that it can be viewed without being touched. Adding phrases like “This is breakable, so let’s just look at it†will help to share the child’s enthusiasm even if you cannot buy the item.
Children too get tired and hungry. When they do, cut the trip short because shopping can wait; but an exhausted or hungry child cannot.
Shop in the morning when the markets are less crowded.
To keep a child occupied, choose shopping carts with toy cars attached.
Control the children, do not let them run around pushing trolleys, they may slip and cause damage.