Tips for Shopping With Children

Before Leaving Home:

1. Discuss rules for the store. Let the child know, no junk foods, toys, etc. When we leave, you can select a package of raisins/nuts if you remember the rules.
2. Role play the shopping experience ahead of time with the child. Let him now what you expect. Have fun. Laugh. See what his suggestions would be if you were to misbehave.

At The Store:

1. Make a game of it. Who can find the potatoes first? Which blouse is the best bargain? What color does he like?
2. Count how many steps it takes to get from the Kix cereal to the Chex, or between the shoe department and the checkout counter.
3. Play a game with the child. (Let's count how many people are wearing sneakers.)
4. Play "I see something" in the checkout lane (or any aisle) and have the child guess what you see.
5. Reward good behavior. Promise to play a game with or read to the child when you get home and then follow through with your promise.

If All Else Fails:

1. Ignore inappropriate behavior unless it is dangerous, or destructive to you or to others.
   
   

Resource: Produced by Dr. Katherine Kersey and revised by Prevent Child Abuse, North Carolina, A Chapter of the National Committee to Prevent Child Abuse, 3344 Hillsborough Street, Suite 100-D, Raleigh, NC 27607, 1-800-354-KIDS