Image by That Other Paper via FlickrLittle Buddy would find no fewer than 10 things within 10 minutes and begin the plead, "Mama, can I pleeeeeeassseee get just this one thing?"
Yes, we would have discussed our rules for shopping well in advance of arrival and had a refresher before we got out of the car. However, the grocery store seemed to just have a memory-erasing change on him as we walked in the door.
I knew there had to be someway to survive grocery shopping with my son. And then, I realized I had it completely backwards. It shouldn't just be survived, I need to find a way to make it enjoyable - fun even - for both of us.
1. Give him a list. As you prepare your grocery list, give your child a sheet of paper to write his list along with you. On your child's list, have him write certain items that he particularly likes or needs such as his favorite cereal, juice, etc. Then, when you are in the store these are the items that he must add to the cart and mark off of his list.
2. Grab his coupons. Go through your coupons with your child and allow him to pick ones for items on his list or favorite items he'd like to purchase. Allow him to keep his coupons separate from yours in his own ziploc bag.
3. Play a game. When you are in the store, play a game with your child. You can play With My Little Eye, I Spy for items that begin with a certain letter or are a certain color, etc. You can also play math games such as adding the total number of items in the cart, estimating the new cost of items if you have coupons, etc.
The most important tip I can share on how to enjoy grocery shopping with your child is your frame of mind. Make sure everyone is well-fed and rested. Then, go in with the attitude of working with your child to allow them to explore and learn.
This post is part of Works for Me Wednesday.
