An errand is moving around to perform little duties. For kids, it may be parents asking them to buy groceries, setting the table for meals, polishing shoes, or other small tasks.
Letting the kids do errands can help develop skills such as owning the task, managing accounts, and becoming self-reliant.
If the children stay home, they will miss opportunities that contribute to life skills. Shopping trips, making to-do lists, and doing chores around town can give much-needed practice for inclusion, emotional regulation, and social-adaptive skills, per Friendship Circle.
According to Dr. Lillian Katz, a professor at the University of Illinois Clearinghouse on Early Childhood and Parenting, parents should explain to their kids what to do before leaving the house. Inform them of the first things to do, whether getting gas or going to the grocery, as this will help them to understand the sequence.
Making errands fun
Always keep your children busy, so they will not get bored, and at the same time, they will learn the proper way of running an errand.
Take children to the grocery and treat every aisle of the grocery store as a built-in lesson by asking your child to help get fruits and vegetables on your shopping list, letting them compare the items which are heavier or lightest, cutting some coupons before leaving the house, letting them find the items on your grocery list, and asking them to describe the items in your cart.
Adaptability is an ability that can be learned through continuous exposure. Let your kids become familiar by bringing them to places you plan to run an errand.
Teach your children to ask for help and not to be shy about it, as this will help them grow.
According to Binxy Baby, kids want to help; thus, give them a few simple jobs for starters. Let them be in charge of reading and checking items off the grocery list or take them somewhere where they can run an errand.
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Assisting your child in running an errand
Teaching kids how to run errands can be stressful as they can commit mistakes, and despite the stress, do not forget to praise them for what they did to boost their confidence.
Instruct your child on how to act in public, including not shouting, obeying directions, speaking respectfully, etc.,
Parents should not only focus on the errands but also take care of their children as they can be tired or hungry from running an errand.
Reward your child after completing an errand and explain the reason behind the errands. There's nothing wrong with offering an occasional bribe for good behavior, per What to Expect.
If you think your kid has had enough, that's the sign to head home. Always remember that children love spending time with parents, so if it is more enjoyable and fun, your kids will have an easy time. Ensure your kids have had their meals or snacks before sending them out or bringing them on errands with you.
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