This surprises some, but one of my favorite things to do with my kids when they were little was to take them with me grocery shopping.
It was a way for us to get out of the house and get something checked off my to-do list.
Picture a grocery shopping trip where your child is engaged, helping out, and even enjoying the experience.
It may seem impossible, but with practical strategies and a touch of creativity, it can be your grocery shopping reality.
Here’s how:
Preparation is Key – Make It a Team Effort
Setting Expectations:
Before you even reach for the car keys, set the stage for what to expect.
Explain where you’re going and why.
Your toddler may not understand the intricacies, but simple explanations like “we’re going to the store to get food for dinner” help set a positive tone for the trip.
Take time to set boundaries ahead of time as well.
“I need you to stay with mommy in the store.”
“We use walking feet to stay safe.”
List Making Activity:
Get your little one involved in the planning phase.
Sit down together and make a list of grocery items you need.
This could involve drawing, writing, or sticking pictures of items on the list – whatever makes it an enjoyable shared activity.
This is not only a great way to prepare for the trip but also allows you to work on fine motor and early literacy skills with your child.
I also made a list that you can get with my Grocery Store Adventure Pack that I would use with my kiddos that you can download HERE.
It’s a simple way to introduce new vocabulary words and get them excited about the trip as well.
Timing is Everything – The When and How of Shopping
Avoid the Hangries:
We’ve all heard of ‘hangriness’. Hunger and exhaustion can turn any shopping trip into a meltdown waiting to happen.
Try to schedule your trips when your toddler is well-rested and after a good meal or snack, so they’re in the best spirits possible.
Early or Late Bird Gets the Worm:
Choose the time carefully. If you can, shop during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and reduce overstimulation.
If your child naps, you might get lucky with a quiet morning shopping escapade.
Active Participants Make Happy Toddlers
On-the-List Seekers:
Ask your child to help you find the items you wrote down on your shopping list.
It turns the mundane into a treasure hunt, and learning to recognize words and objects is a bonus.
Their Very Own List:
Consider giving them a mini shopping list filled with non-breakable items.
It’s a powerful feeling for a little one to be trusted with a task.
Make sure it includes their favorite – a small reward for successful shopping can also motivate them.
Have them help you make choices:
Let them help you make some choices throughout the trip if possible.
Would they like the red apples or should we try the green today?
Allow for Exploration – Controlled Curiosity
Pre-Shop Playtime:
If time allows, visit a nearby playground before heading to the store.
Physical play can be an ideal outlet for excess energy.
In-Store Science:
Grocery stores are filled with shapes, colors, and textures – a toddler’s playground.
Encourage your child to notice different vegetables and fruits, to touch and feel (with supervision, of course).
It serves as a great sensory experience and might even nudge them toward trying a few new things on their plate later.
Check-Out Saavy – Keeping It Positive
Line Entertainment:
Pack a small, quiet toy or book that’s reserved for shopping trips.
It can be a special treat that helps keep them occupied in line or during the checkout process.
If there is a self-checkout or if you can think of a way for them to participate even better!
Letting them hand you items can be a great task.
Money Matters:
Talk about the process of paying and describe what’s going on.
If you’re comfortable, give them a dollar to “pay” with, making it an educational activity about exchange and value.
Practice, Practice, Practice – Start Small and Grow
Baby Steps:
Start with shorter, easier trips to build up your toddler’s shopping stamina.
Maybe incorporate a stop at the bakery one day, the fruit aisle the next – treat it like a fun field trip.
Be Realistic – Accept the Learning Curve
Expect Little Surprises:
No matter how well-prepared you are, there will be good days and not-so-good days.
Be flexible and ready to call it quits if the trip turns sour.
It’s All in the Attitude:
Remember, your energy sets the tone.
Stay positive, and remember, it’s just a shopping trip.
What matters most is the time spent together.
Grocery shopping with your toddler doesn’t have to be the dreaded task it’s often made out to be.
With a bit of planning, patience, and a healthy dose of fun, it can turn into an opportunity for bonding and learning.
It’s about transforming what could be a drag into a memory-making adventure.
Go forth and shop stress-free!
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Kayla O’Neill has a master’s degree in education as well as a bachelor’s degree in special education with an emphasis in early childhood education. She has been working as a developmental therapist with babies and toddlers in early intervention since 2012. She is also a mom with two young children.