Having to hit the shops with the kids is enough to strike fear into the heart of most parents. But what if it didn’t have to be a tiring and difficult experience?
Here’s how you can get through your grocery shopping with the kids in tow:
Set some ground rules
Setting up some rules before you even leave the house can help reduce the amount of issues you’ll face once you get to the shops. Setting ground rules also means there’s less need to say no later because the rules have already been made clear. Talk about sticking together and if your children are allowed to ask for things. Explain how you will react if they pester you and what will happen if the rules you’ve set are broken.
Offer a reward
Want to get through the grocery shopping quickly? Offer a reward for good behaviour and for helping you get the job done. It can be whatever you like but ensure the reward is given only after the shopping has been completed. Make it a trip to the park on the way home, a movie to watch that night or time spent colouring in or crafting together later. That way everyone gets something they want without you having to spend any extra money at the shops or caving in to requests for sugary foods.
Get the kids involved
If you have time, getting the kids to help write out the shopping list is a great way to get them involved and help you with the shopping. Give them a pen to take to the shops and have them cross items off the list as you get them. If you have older children, you can get them to go ahead of you in the aisle and collect a couple of items to bring back to you. Getting kids involved in the fruit and vegetable section of the shop not only helps you but also teaches them about food. Talk about what fruit and vegetables are called and how you can eat them. Have your child weigh items and help put them into bags. It might take a little bit longer than usual, but it makes it more fun for the kids which makes it less stressful for you. Grocery shopping can be a stressful exercise when you have kids in tow. But by setting up some ground rules, offering a reward and involving the kids in the process you can get it done without too much fuss. And, if it all gets too hard, remember you can always order your groceries online!
