We are coming up on the “biggest shopping day of the year” and I know there are plenty of people who look forward to the Friday after Thanksgiving with more anticipation than they do the actual holidays. As a parent, shopping with children in tow during this busy time of year can take extra planning and care, as well as diligence in keeping our children safe.
Just the fact that the shopping malls and department stores are much more crowded this time of year is an important consideration. Small children can be harder to keep track of as they may be tempted away by all the extra glitter and activity. Other dangers increase as well with all of those decorations—including the electric lights, tinsel and decorations that abound as part of the festive holiday atmosphere. Very small children can easily get into trouble in such an exciting environment. Even grocery stores can provide an added danger during this season with poisonous poinsettias and holly, as well as the crowded aisles and sometimes precariously stacked displays.
If you are going to take children along on your holiday shopping, it may take extra planning as well as extra attention to safety. Give yourself plenty of time and make sure you have enough of the items you might need—water, snacks, diapers, change of clothes, etc. A trip that might take you an hour ordinarily can easily stretch into two hours or more when the additional crowds and traffic are taken into account. Keeping small children in carriers, strollers or even on harnesses and leashes can also help to keep them in sight and safe. With older children, it is important to teach them about stranger safety and the extra concerns during a hectic holiday in the retail world. Checking in regularly and minimizing the shopping time can be ways of keeping things manageable with older children.
Of course, if things are really hectic, it might be better to get a sitter or family member to stay with the children and do the shopping without them—less stress for mom and dad too!
Also: Cooking for Thanksgiving? Keep Small Children Out of the Kitchen