Shopping with a child can also be an opportunity to have a good time and why not teach him things.
For some parents, taking their children shopping with them can be a real obstacle course, a source of stress and conflict, especially at the end of the year. However, it is possible to make it a rewarding activity and improve the relationship.
A few rules for having a good time with your child
If you’ve decided to take your child with you for shopping, it’s best to prepare things by limiting it to an hour or two at most so that you don’t subject him to an activity that could be stressful for too long. Before departure, tell him which store(s) you are planning and why you want to go there.
Then, do not hesitate to watch for signs of annoyance such as crying, bad mood, or impatience, which are normal reactions at this age and the sign that you have to go home. You can also plan to take a break, and possibly offer a water bottle, a snack and a small toy that will help him wait.
Turn shopping into a rewarding activity
Whatever their age, it is possible to make shopping more fun:
– Use the game to make him choose between two objects for example.
– Show him the example by explaining that you have no choice but to wait but that the time will pass more quickly by talking or playing.
– Teach him the rules of politeness in society by explaining their importance so that he understands the positive effect.
– Tell him what you buy and why you do it.
– Have him choose a gift for someone else by thinking about the person who will receive it so that he learns empathy.
While of course all children are different and have their own tolerance, adapt to them and try different approaches to make this moment enjoyable.
Read more: “Let’s go shopping!” by Ramon Olivera, Deux Coqs d’Or edition.
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