Shopping is necessary but not always fun. This is especially true if you have had the option of doing it without your children or at least, not all of your children. Here are a few things that might make things a little easier.
1. Set expectations for the children's behavior. Go over the expectations more than once. Check for understanding. Ask questions to make sure everyone knows what he/she understands what the "shopping rules" are. Communicating well is an important first step.
2. Since shopping is not fun for your children, set up an incentive program to encourage them to follow through well when they are at the store. Possible examples are "reward for everyone that doesn't ask mom to to buy something" or no crying or whining when mom says no to a question. A little positive reinforcement is well worth it to get the children into good habits.
3. Shop with a list. This will make any shopping trip go faster.
4. If possible, get everything at one store. A few extra minutes at WalMart or Target is so much easier than stopping at multiple stores. also, try to avoid daily trips to the store. You spend more money with frequent trips but there is another reason. That kind of frequency will exasperate your children!
Make sure everyone, including you, is well fed before going to the store. Hunger can make a shopping trip miserable when it could of been redeemed. Keep some emergency food in your bag. It will make a big difference and save you money. Those Fast food trips add up fast!
Make sure everyone is well rested. Try to avoid the quick trip to the grocery store right before nap time. That is often a prescription for disaster.
Happy Summer. The daily rhythm of having children home and running a smooth household takes time to establish. It will happen but remember. It's an adjustment for everyone.
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