Any parent who routinely takes a preschooler on shopping trips to the grocery store knows the risks involved. Most have experienced the embarrassment and humiliation of a son or daughter throwing a temper tantrum in the middle of the store and have felt the glaring eyes of the other customers.
The trouble is that it can be difficult to discipline a child while out in public. And the child knows it. When children are allowed to run amok and carry on in public, they learn that they can get away with it. That inevitably sets the stage for more fireworks on the next outing.
Parents can minimize (and hopefully eliminate) such blowups by taking a few simple precautions and establishing some ground rules. Here are five suggestions:
1. Schedule grocery trips for when the child is not tired or hungry. A tired and/or hungry child is much more likely to cause a scene than one that is well fed and well rested. Additionally, do not prolong the trip any longer than necessary. Keep it short to minimize the potential of a tantrum. Be organized; have all your coupons and sale ads in the order of your stops.
2. Bribery. While not all parents approve of using bribery as a motivator for good behavior, it can produce results. Before embarking into the store, talk with your child about a reward that can be earned with good behavior. Alternatively, discuss the consequences of poor behavior. Just be prepared to follow through.
3. Treat it as an expedition. An expedition is a trip with a purpose, so give your child a purpose for being with you. Rather than just riding along in the cart, your child can help you locate items and pick up boxes. Depending on your child’s age, consider creating a list of items (using words or pictures) that he or she can be responsible to find.
4. Don’t be afraid to discipline in public. Most people understand that discipline is a necessary part of parenting and will appreciate your initiative. If you are a proponent of spanking as a form of discipline, however, avoid swatting your child in public. Instead, find a quieter corner of the store where your child can sit for a “time out.” After a few time outs, your child will learn that misbehaving is not acceptable even while shopping.
5. Interact with your child as you shop. Many children begin to act out when they feel ignored or neglected. Accordingly, avoid dragging your child along as baggage. Instead, engage your child with some conversation. You can ask questions about the day, use the experience as a teaching opportunity, or quietly sing songs together.
With good shopping practices in place, you can turn dreaded trips to the grocery store into cherished occasions You and your child can enjoy the shared experience while keeping the embarrassment and humiliation at a minimum.
Similar Posts
- What to Pack When Traveling With Toddlers
- Make Life easier with Baby Changing Bags
- Choosing a Lightweight Stroller that Lasts
- Get Your Baby Swimming Early
- Airport Security With a Toddler
Comments
Leave a Reply