TIPS For Families

Andrea Nisley, Extension Educator
Source: “‘Cart’ Blanche: Make Shopping With Kids Pleasant,” Texas A&M University
University of Nebraska Cooperative Extension

Temper tantrums, disappearing acts, climbing out of carts, touching every item on a shelf and begging are just a few of the behaviors that young children can exhibit while shopping in the grocery store. But shopping doesn’t have to be a hair-pulling experience for adults or kids.            

Shopping with preschool-aged children can be a pleasant experience if you use a little creativity, plan ahead and use caution. First, parents must consider the needs of everyone involved in the trip.

Remember, preschool children are still very egocentric, especially when it comes to their physical needs. If children are tired, upset or hungry, expect them to be rowdy at the candy and snack area. Carry snacks in the car so kids can munch on the way or make the trip after meal times.

Parents should also consider their own needs. Making a grocery list before going to the store saves time and helps to ensure that a child’s behavior won’t distract anyone from getting the things they came to the store for. Also, watch stress levels. If you’ve had a bad morning or a tough day and your stress levels are elevated, it might be a better idea to go to the store on another day.

It’s also a good idea to convey to children how they are expected to behave before they go into the store. A mother might tell a child to either hold on to her or to the shopping cart when they are in the grocery store because she doesn’t want them to get lost or hurt. Conveying the message that they are going to have a special, fun trip to the grocery store can also help keep children calm.

A parent might even say they will have a good time if all the rules are followed. She might want to surprise them at the end of the trip by allowing them to pick a small snack they life if they have followed the rules.

Parents should not give a child a reward each time. No one should bribe children into behaving a certain way.

Parents can also make going to the store fun and educational by asking children for input on food choices. For example, if Dad is getting vegetables, he could ask his child what he likes. Allowing children to make decisions within limits is an effective way to empower them. Another great way to involve children in shopping is to give them a little responsibility and a change to practice some thinking skills, like asking them to pick out 10 oranges. Younger children can be asked to identify colors or shapes. Shopping is also a good opportunity to teach children about what food is and where it comes from. Ask if chicken is a meat or a vegetable or where cheese and milk come from.

Don’t forget to practice cart safety. A report from ABC’s “20/20" showed that more than 24,000 children across the nation had injuries related to shopping carts last year. It has been reported that even a toddler can climb out from that shopping cart within seconds. Parents need to keep a close watch on their children, and hold on to the cart constantly to avoid unnecessary injuries.

And don’t forget – praise and encouragement are great ways to promote a child’s sense of self esteem. If a child helped pick out the oranges, tell him he’s a great helper. If they followed the expectations set for them in the grocery store, tell them they are great shopping companions.

Let us know if shopping with your children was a pleasant experience when you used a little creativity and planning by clicking on the TIPS Feeback Form below.