5 Tips For Grocery Shopping With Kids

Grocery Shopping With Kids
This is a topic that all moms can share in. Grocery shopping with kids, if not handled correctly, can be a disaster! Am I right mamas!? However, with that said, grocery shopping with my kids has always been something I enjoy. I think there are so many learning opportunities for your children while they are shopping with you. It has been something I have always done and I will tell you how and why now.
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Don’t Be In A Hurry

This is my number one rule for grocery shopping with kids, you can’t be in a hurry. Don’t get me wrong, there are always those times when we can’t help it and we have somewhere to go but need to stop quick. As a general rule, make a point of not being in a hurry though when going to the grocery store. If you aren’t in a hurry then you can pay more attention to your kiddos, take the time to stop if they need, etc. Also, your overall mood will naturally be better if you aren’t in a rush to be somewhere.
 
Let Them Help You & Make It Fun
Depending on your child’s age, this may look a little different. Obviously, if you have one that is in the newborn stage, this tip doesn’t really qualify. If you have one in the newborn stage, my tip to you is to go when they are full and tired, so they fall asleep in their car seat and you can go on with your business.
For those who have toddlers, make a game out of it, make them feel like they are your big helper. Give them tasks, things to look for, colors, shapes, etc. “Who can spot the yellow box first?” or “Count the cans as I put them in the cart, 1, 2, 3, etc.” or “Hold my list for me and you can check it off when we find the stuff on it.” Getting them involved does a few things; it keeps their minds preoccupied, let’s them have fun and lets them learn along the way.

Bring Drinks & Snacks

I don’t know about you, but even if we just ate an entire meal before we left the house, it never fails that my kiddos want a snack as soon as we get in the car or to where we are going. Bring portioned size snacks & drinks in their very own containers that they can manage as mess free as possible. For example, I wouldn’t pick a peanut butter sandwich or yogurt if they are messy eaters. Snacks buy you at least 15 extra minutes. I like to get mine out when I am in the checkout line. This for sure saves a lot of tears and keeps their little eyes off the items in the checkout they normally will ask for.

Keep Them In The Cart

I know you may think they are ready to be out on their own, but chances are they aren’t. I have a 16 month-old and a 4 1/2-year-old. I still make my 4 1/2-year-old sit in the big part of the cart (until I bag my groceries, then he gets out and helps) and my 16 month-old in the front. This does two things; keeps them from touching or breaking things and from wondering off. My shopping is then more efficient and safer as well.

Reward Them

Finally, reward them for being well behaved in public. It doesn’t need to be something big, or even every shopping trip, but this is huge in how my kids behave. They know if they are extra good, not just how they are supposed to behave, during the shopping trip, I will reward them. For my 4 1/2-year-old, it is as simple as him knowing he will get a bubble gum or toy from the quarter machines on our way out or be able to ride the horse they have. Simple and straightforward. Kids are smart, don’t give them their treat before or during, save it until the end otherwise there is nothing to look forward to and behave for. Once you do this for a bit periodically, it will become second nature and they will just behave. Don’t buy them a big toy or something huge each time, that doesn’t’ even make sense and will build bad habits.

Happy Shopping

Just because you follow these tips doesn’t mean your kids won’t have a meltdown or your trip will be problem free. However, I promise you, more than not, it will be a lot better and most of the time enjoyable. Remember, your kids are sponges, give them something to soak up on a daily basis. Enjoy & happy shopping.
 
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