For some parents, dragging their little ones to the grocery store is a nightmare. But sometimes, it can’t be avoided. When the pantry is running low and the fridge is looking bare, you have to stock up on the essentials, one way or another. But it doesn’t have to be a battle! Try these techniques to turn grocery shopping into a fun adventure for both you and your little ones!
Turn it into a game
There are so many fun and educational games you can play at the grocery store! You can have your little shopping buddy guess the weight of different fruits and vegetables or have them guess the price of their favorite pantry staples. You could play “I Spy,” where you take turns spying certain colors and having your kids guess the object. Games such as these turn shopping time into playtime!
Distract, distract, distract
Keeping your little ones distracted is key to keeping them happy for the duration of your shopping trip. Pack a few different options in case they get bored easily. Bring along their favorite toy, picture book and game, and you’ll be well prepared to capture their attention and keep them happy.
Make a plan, make a list
The trick to a grocery trip with little ones is to get in and get out quickly. This is not the time for idle store browsing or frazzled searching. The shorter the trip is, the less likely it is that there will be a meltdown. That’s why it’s so important to know exactly what you’re getting and where it is. Come prepared with a grocery list and be sure you know the layout of your store. Bonus: sticking to a list means you’re less likely to cave to impulse purchases.
Let them pick
Kids never turn down an opportunity to have their voices heard, and grocery shopping is no exception! This doesn’t mean you have to let them choose everything that goes into your cart (you’ll end up with a lot of sweets and junk food that way!). Instead, have them choose between two options (“Should we have blueberries or strawberries with our oatmeal this week?”) or let them choose one favorite item to add to the cart. The participation is sure to help your little ones feel included!
Lower your expectations
As a parent, you know that things rarely go according to plan. And that’s OK! If your little ones aren’t perfect angels during a grocery trip, it’s not the end of the world. Your fellow shoppers will forgive a fussy toddler, and if things get really bad, you can always cut the trip short and try again another day.
These simple tips will help you set up your shopping trip for success! Both you and your kids will leave our store happy. We hope to see you sometime this week!
