Friday, June 17, 2011

Revealed 8 Tips To End Shopping Tantrums With Toddlers

By Sandi Brown


Toddler tantrums and shopping trips go together all too often. Many parents hate having to take a toddler on a shopping trip. It doesn't have to be that way. Read on to discover 8 ways to help you enjoy a toddler tantrum free shopping trip.

1. Plan to go shopping when your toddler is ready. Avoid taking them when they are tired, hungry or unwell. Don't wake them from a sleep just to get your shopping done.

2. Plan to go shopping on the least busy days and times. Find out the quietest shopping times and go then. You will have less queue waiting time and car parking will be easier.

3. Write yourself a shopping list. When you know what you want to buy it shortens the shopping time and you don't have to concentrate on trying to think what you need. If you know your supermarket well, you can even have your shopping list in the same order as the aisles you will go around. You'll enjoy the added bonus of spending less too.

4 .Involving your toddler is a sure way of having a happier, more amenable child. Let them chose some items or point them out for you. If they are capable let them pick some things off the shelves for you.

5. The more you interact with them the happier they will be. Talk and ask lots of questions. Have some fun. Laugh, play touch and hug them. Look for and talk about colors, sizes and shapes. Not only will you be teaching them some important concepts but they will be having some fun at the same time.

6. Some toddlers are very active and just hate being confined. If you have this problem a good idea is to take another adult or older child with you. Toddlers love a bit of special attention and a supervised walk around the shop or walk outside the shop can release some energy for them. Grandmas make ideal shopping companions for this.

7. Don't start the bad habit of letting toddlers eat in shops. Once you start it becomes a toddler tantrum zone when they see something they want. If you do buy them anything teach them they can't open it in the shop but have to hold it and give it to the checkout operator. They enjoy the feeling of anticipation and feeling "grown up". Learning to wait is a valuable lesson for them to learn.

8. When it is time to pack the car is often another potential tantrum zone. Ideally if you have someone with you they can entertain the toddler. If you are on your own settle them in their car seat and open up a healthy snack or drink. It's also a good idea to keep some books and toys in your car that are only used when you are out.




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