The only sure way to avoid trouble with kids in the supermarket is to simply leave the kids home with the other parent or even a sitter. I know parents who say they can save a sitter’s fee by shopping carefully without interference or distraction of children.
⢠If you must take a child or more than one, do some preparing first. Don’t take a hungry child; shop right after a meal if possible.
⢠Verbalize your shopping rules. If you’re not buying sugary cereals, say so. If you’ll buy a child one, just one of those wonderful, tempting items that stores display just at child height, make that clear too.
⢠Explain that just because something’s advertised on TV is not a reason for making a purchase.
⢠Give a child in a cart something to eat or to play with; you can bring your own sugarless treats with you into the store or tie a toy to the handle of the cart.
⢠But if nothing works, and your child does throw a full scale tantrum in the middle of the produce aisle or at the check out counter, depart as fast as you possibly can, grit your teeth, and keep repeating to yourself, “this too shall pass,” and it usually does.
Vicki Lansky’s practical, common sense approach to parenting is familiar to millions throughout the world. Vicki’s first book, Feed Me, I’m Yours, published in 1974, and still one of the most popular baby/toddler food cookbooks in the country, was followed by The Taming of the C.A.N.D.Y. Monster, a #1 New York Times bestseller. Her other titles include: Toilet Training, Birthday Parties Best Party Tips & Ideas For Ages 1-8, Dear Babysitter Handbook, Welcoming Your Second Baby, Getting Your Child to Sleep … and Back to Sleep, Trouble-free Travel with Children, Baby Proofing Basics and Games Babies Play From Birth to Twelve Months, Koko Bear’s New Potty, A New Baby at Koko Bear’s House, Koko Bear and the New Babysitter, and Koko Bear’s Big Earache. Vicki Lansky’s Divorce Book for Parents: Helping Children Cope with Divorce and Its Aftermath
I have a toddler who hasn’t started watching TV. So I have less problem in the market. But every now and then, there’s something she really really wants and has to have it. I find having snacks on hand is extremely helpful. When she’s munching on her snack, she doesn’t have time or desire to fuss about getting something else.