Shopping with a preschooler can lead to a mental breakdown. I am not a fan of shopping to begin with and adding in the holiday season and a small child makes my head spin. I end up so distracted and carrying so many items that I make stupid mistakes like throwing my cell phone away with the Happy Meal bag or drop my keys in the trunk. I take my kids with me everywhere and I am no stranger to making it work. However, I am at a great disadvantage when shopping already makes me crazy. The trick is to keep your perspective in check. I try to think of everything as an adventure of a comedy show. Either delusion works for the few hours or so of shopping for the holiday season.
Tips for Staying Sane Shopping with a Preschooler
Shop early. Shopping before lunch will prevent late afternoon tiredness and hunger issues. The quickest way to see a child fall apart is to make them walk around while tired and hungry.
Involve your child. Children do not see the value in shopping outside of getting toys or food so often they are bored. Boredom alone can cause behavior issues. To prevent this give your child a task or list. If you are grocery shopping, provide a list with words and pictures for your child to help find items. This will also reinforce reading skills. If you have coupons then ask your child to find the items you have coupons for. Shopping for gifts? Allow your child an opinion on what to buy or to help chose between different items.
Take it slow and spend the time together. Chances are the last thing you want is to extend your shopping trip. But let’s face it; shopping with kids will extend your trip. Instead of trying to beat the clock, consider the bigger picture of spending time with your child. While shopping, talk to your child. Talk about what you are seeing or the items you need to get. Think of it as time well spent and not a task to rush.
Quick like a bunny. When taking your time is simply not reality, then explain to your child the plan. Say, “We have to go to the grocery store to get the milk and then we have to pick up the dry cleaning. Both places are boring but we need to get it done. I need you to move quick like a bunny and help me get us home as soon as possible. Can you do that?”