I always wanted to be that mom in the grocery store you see who seemed to have their children in total control and well behaved. Now that my daughter is older she seems a little more fussier when we go out so below are some of my grocery shopping solutions that seem to work well for us.
• Give them a snack- the minute we get into the store I pick something off the shelf for her to snack on. Those lunchables are perfect- my daughter loves snacking on the cheese and crackers. Graham crackers are also great- they don't make a huge mess and she loves to play with the box while she eats. Popcorn chicken is great too- easy to eat and lasts. As she gets older this will prevent any desires she may have to want something in the store. And never let them choose, you choose to prevent arguments. Of course children will go after the candy and junk, pick something that is healthy, yet a treat and something they won't finish in one bite. The whole point is to have something they can snack on throughout the entire shopping trip.
• Give them their own list- my daughter loves to play with my list so since she is too young to know the difference I give her own sheet of paper so she can't rip, loose or chew on mine.
• Coupons- my daughter loves to play with my coupons so since she is too young to know the difference I give expired ones. When you have older children have them help by looking for the sale items or items listed on the coupons.
• Have them help - although my daughter is too young to really understand it I still try to get her involved. I tell her what I need to get in the aisle I am in and every time I put something in the cart I tell her what it is. When they can help have them pick the bag of chips off the shelf or grab the box of cereal.
Children love to be entertained and confining them makes them uneasy so take the time to entertain them so you are not running through the aisle in a hurry to get out of the store!
