Shopping with a child: This is how it works without stress and conflict
For children, shopping at the supermarket is like visiting Wonderland – the shelves are full of temptations. It is precisely these that often lead to arguments between you and your offspring. So that you and your children can shop stress-free, we have put together a few tips and tricks for you.
It’s normal for you and your kids to have occasional disagreements when shopping at the supermarket. However, it is important that you make it clear to your offspring that they cannot have everything and remain consistent. In addition, we give you a few tips that can help you when shopping with children:
- Even before they go shopping, your children should know what can and cannot be bought. Explain to your offspring that you don’t want to buy any sweets today, for example, because there are still enough sweets in the cupboard.
- Never go to the supermarket when your child is hungry. With an empty stomach, your offspring will find it even more difficult to resist the many sweet temptations in the supermarket. Therefore, give your child a small snack before entering the supermarket, for example a roll or a piece of fruit.
- If you and your children have made a list before going shopping, you should emphasize in the supermarket that they have already chosen something.
- Involve your child in the shopping process. If they can already do that, let them push the shopping cart, carry the fruit themselves or pay at the checkout. So your child feels needed by you – and will be happy to help you!
What to do when children scream while shopping?
If your child starts screaming while shopping, pick them up and hold them until they calm down. Or just take it by the hand and leave the store if necessary. The purchase then just has to wait that long. Don’t give up! Children need to learn when they go shopping that they can’t have everything. Don’t punish them if they don’t behave, tell them next time they can’t go to the supermarket. These natural consequences make more sense to your child than the threat of being deprived of pocket money, being banned from watching television, or being grounded.
Shopping with children – “Keep cool”
True to the motto “There is strength in stillness!” You have to accept the sensation that your screaming child will cause. You prove your parenting skills if you remain calm yourself and show yourself to be as unimpressed as possible by the screams of your offspring. Avoid noisy discussions and don’t linger too long on “good talks”. It’s best if you just keep buying what’s on your shopping list.