From the article: Survive Shopping with Small Kids
If your kids are anything like mine, shopping with them can be challenging. Hopefully, you've got some good tricks up your sleeves that will make shopping with small children easier. If so, we'd love to hear them. Share Your Tips
Madness Mist
- I always used to joke that stores have "madness mist" at the door at a childs level and children would get sprayed as they enter through the door. I always try to make sure everyone is full when we go shopping and I tell my son if he is good, he can get a small toy or book when we are finished shopping. On the most part, it works.
- —Guest Shelley
Clean Rooms...
- If they are not minding i give them a warning, but let them know if they keep acting up they will have to clean their room when we get home. Starting with 10 minuets. If they keep acting up i will add ten more minuets.
- —MrsButterfly
At their best while shopping
- Shopping can be a nightmare or a real bonding experience with kids. To keep my little one on track while shopping I have a few strategies that I use. 1.) Prepare them in advance. Let them know what you're looking for & what stores you will be visiting. 2.)Make shopping an adventure! "Hey Julia, can you help mommy find a white shirt? Next let's find your favorite dressing room" or if they are old enough tell them you have X to spend and let them help you find something to fit within your budget. 3.) If you're trying something on, make sure they have a few things too! I can try on 4-5 things for every 1 that my child does. 4.) Don't forget to rest! Take time out to admire the fountain, carousel, or just sit on a bench for a few minutes to chat and do a little people watching. 5.) Take your cue from them. If they are on the verge of a major melt down and redirecting them isn't working, leave and try going another day. Don't stress yourself out -- it's not worth it.
- —Guest Jen
