Shopping is not a child's thing. Thus when parents brought them to grocery or department store they started to misbehave, rolling on the floor or crying loud if parents deny them the things they want to buy. Fortunately for distraught parents, the Parent Herald has listed very easy-to-follow suggestions that will make the shopping experience of both parents and toddlers stress-free and full of fun.
Parents would agree on shopping with toddlers can be awful. This is because according to NJ.com, shopping is not a kid's best way to spend an evening or afternoon. However it does not have to be, by following these quick and easy steps, shopping experience will be better for both toddlers and parents.
Bring water and snacks. Toddlers can get cranky when their stomachs are hungry. So parents should never forget to bring snacks and water to prevent kids from misbehaving.
Select a day or time when the child is most collaborative. Shopping or doing grocery when a child is typically cranky or tired will make them more irritable and tiring, causing them to misbehave or throw a tantrum.
Find a time of fun. Most shopping malls include playground where children can play and have fun, but if the mall does not have one, try the bookstore and read them some stories. Spend some time reading Curious George or Madeline.
Never be afraid to say no. Children when in grocery or shopping malls always want to get and have their parents buy the things they want. It's normal, but parents are advised to learn to say no to the kids sometimes. Or better yet, parents can explain to their children the purpose of their grocery chores before leaving the house.
Avoid big sales. Chaos and crowds might not put off bargain-hunter parents, but taking toddlers to places with so many fusses might be too uptight for easily irritated children. So never bring children to mega-sales event in shopping malls. Those are for adults only.
Make shopping a learning experience. Make the shopping experience a learning one by encouraging the child to talk to food experts present in the shopping or grocery malls. "Lots of children are fascinated by food and it's good for them to know where things come from so get them talking to the butchers, bakers, and fishmongers- they all like talking about what they do and they are a wealth of knowledge," The Sun quoted Lin Lisle-Fenwick, checkout manager of Morrisons, as saying.
Children behave well if their needs are treated. A kid who's always given time, attention, understanding, patience will have more lenience for a grocery or shopping trip than the kid who must encounter nerve-racking situations without any emotional support.
