We can all agree that taking children out these days is an adventure filled with laughter, boo-boos, and tantrums. When it comes to taking them to the supermarket, my hubby and I have it all down to a science. Here are six easy tips for grocery shopping with kids.
Before you head out the door, make sure your munchkins are well rested. Most of our kids’ meltdowns occur as a result of them being tired and cranky.
Eat beforehand. This doesn’t always work as you’ll see in the video below. O’s belly is like a bottomless pit. He’ll eat his food and then yours, if you let him. Just think about what it’s like at the grocery store – he wants to devour everything. If he has a full stomach, it minimizes his cravings.
Set ground rules. We tell our kids what we expect from them. “Be on your best behavior and don’t embarrass us,” I’ll say before walking into the store. We also discuss safety precautions and staying close.
Make sure they use the potty. Even though most places have bathrooms, potty breaks right in the middle of shopping can be a hassle. O never leaves home without a fresh diaper and Princess is required to pee before we leave.
Make a list. We usually go in with some sort of strategy, otherwise shopping would take way too long and that could lead to the kids throwing a fit. If you need to find the fastest route to your local supermarket, then supermarket near me can easily locate your closest supermarket.
Let the kids help out. It keeps them busy. O likes to push the shopping cart while Princess grabs items and place them in it. Keeping them occupied allows for a much smoother shopping experience.
Shopping with kids ain’t easy. I know some parents avoid taking their little ones to the store. Others do their grocery shopping online, which is super convenient. I actually took advantage of our supermarket’s delivery service while on maternity leave. But sometimes you may not have the option of leaving the kiddos behind. We actually like the idea of having kids tag along because it’s sort of like training.
I want them to be able to learn how to pick out produce and whatnot. I also want them to survive a shopping experience without a meltdown, and the only way to do that is if we practice.
Princess has been going since she was a tiny tot.
Most days my husband takes her with him shopping, which is normally smooth sailing. It’s become sort of like their daddy daughter date night.
Sometimes the four of us will go, and boy is that an experience. Things don’t always go according to plan.
Check out the video below of our latest trip to the grocery store. We were there to pick up ingredients for our no bake pie along with a few other items. Please don’t forget to subscribe to WeatherAnchorMamaTV and give this video a thumbs up.
What’s it like taking your kids grocery shopping?
It can be a challenge sometimes, but I like taking my kids shopping with me, since I think it is good for them to go, you can teach them a lot about prices and budgeting. What we need, what we dont.. etc. But it is a guarantee that I will forget SOMETHING I needed when I have them with me, even if I have a list! ha!