Shopping with the Kids

Holiday shopping can be fun but it is also exhausting, especially for small children. To make the season a little brighter for the wee folk, remember to consider shopping from their perspective. The following are my shopping rules, all learned from experience.

Twelve Secrets of Successful Shopping Trips

1. Avoid taking a child on a shopping trip that will last longer than 30 minutes.

   Shopping in crowds is hard on everyone. There are alternatives.
   

   • Trade off with a friend
   • Shop when a spouse can babysit
   • Hire a sitter.
2. Avoid shopping with a child prior to nap time.

   No one is on their best behavior when tired and sleepy. If you have hopes that the child will sleep in the stroller, give it up now. Children never sleep when you need them to.

3. Shop with a friend.

   Someone can always keep an eye on the little ones. Never let a child out of your sight.

4. If your toddler is an adventurer, don't be embarrassed to use a harness or wrist bands.

   Holiday crowds make it difficult to keep up with quick toddlers. Anyone who stares at you never had a child like yours and couldn't possibly understand. Keeping your child safe is all that matters.

5. Never take a hungry child anywhere.

   Plan stops for snacks or take snacks with you. Two year olds fall apart when they get hungry. They have no sense of time and "in a minute" is the same as maybe never. If they get hungry, feed them NOW.

6. Children can shop for longer periods of time if the pace is quick.

   They do not browse well. If you know what you want, get it, and move on. If you don't know, wait till you do before you come back.

7. Keep something special for the checkout counter.

   Give the special toy or treat to the child for those few minutes of your attention that the child must share.

   Act like the adult. If your child falls apart, stay calm. One temper tantrum does not deserve another.

   Realize that the shopping expedition is over and leave the store. A tired, hungry, bored child can not listen to reason.

8. With preschoolers, plan the shopping trip and ask for their cooperation.

   Let them help make decisions when appropriate and promise them anything realistic when the trip is successful. Preschoolers can muster all kinds of patience for an ice cream cone.

9. Make the trip to visit Santa a solo event.

   Children cannot wait until the shopping is over. All you will hear is, "When do we get to see Santa?" every three minutes. If you visit Santa first, they will be finished and ready to go home. No shopping now, thank you.

10. Take one child at a time for a special shopping trip.

    Children are so delighted with this singular attention that they will be on their best behavior. This is a wonderful time to find special gifts for the other parent and other siblings. Include lunch and it will become a favorite Christmas tradition.

11. Apply the same principles to spouses and other adults.

Parenting takes patience and kindness. Shopping with children requires qualities that border sainthood. Make certain that YOU aren't exhausted or hungry when you start your expedition and success is more likely.