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As any parent knows, shopping with a child, regardless of age, can be a real challenge. Tempertantrums and "can I have its" can abound during even the shortest of shopping trips. Parents need to establish shopping rules early in their child's development. For most parents, money is too precious a commodity to come home and find that a poor purchasing decision has been made for the sake of ending a painful shopping excursion. Some basic shopping guidelines:
1. Plan all shopping trips with children. Know where you will be going and what you will be looking for. Tell the child what kind of shopping trip they can expect. If your child is not an exceptionally good shopper, you might want to postpone your window shopping for a time when you will not have to have that child with you. There are people who find shopping a relaxing way to spend their time; that hobby can lose its allure when a screaming or cranky child is along for the ride.
2. If possible, break up major shopping events (Christmas, Back-to-School) into smaller trips. Intersperse shopping with other errands or events that the child enjoys. A trip to the library or the video store can go a long way to appeasing the impatience of some children confronted with clothing shopping.
3. When feasible, allowing a child to bring a friend along on the trip can help occupy the child's time and make the trip more enjoyable for everyone. Ensure that your child and friend are not disruptive or present a discipline challenge. If you have to spend your time telling a child to behave, chances are, you will not be enjoying yourself.
4. Budget wisely. Know how much money you have to spend before you head out shopping. If your children know your budget limitations they will tend to have some respect for that guideline. Teach your older children to budget their money themselves. Let them know how much money they will have to spend. Your child may want to purchase just one outfit for back-to-school, see what other kids are wearing, and then determine what they still want to get.
The age of your child will make a big difference in your approach to shopping. Know your child's limitations before you set out. Ensure your child is aware of your rules for shopping. Be firm with your child, if you say you are going to take action if the child misbehaves, make sure you follow through and take your promised action. Allowing your child to get away with poor behavior sets you up for a repeat performance.
Small Children
1. Set the time frame for shopping with your child. Make sure they understand how long this is going to take. Tell them how many stores you expect to go to.
2. Do not set yourself up for failure, do not go shopping with a tired or hungry child. See to your child's basic needs before going out shopping together.
3. If you are planning a long shopping trip that will be boring for your child, it would not be inappropriate to reward their good behavior with a treat. It can also provide incentive to your child to behave if they know there will be a reward for them at the end.
Older Children
1. Set the guidelines for your older child on whether or not they will need to stay with you. If your child is responsible enough to look on their own, set a meeting time and place. If your child is to stay with you, ensure they know how far away from you is deemed appropriate.
2. Set a time frame for shopping. This could be for the child's sake or yours. Know how much time you have to shop and try to stick to the time frame.
3. Know the purpose of the shopping trip. Are you just looking to get ideas, or are you intending to make a purchase? Try not to veer from your purpose.
4. Along with knowing the purpose of your shopping trip, know how much money you are willing to spend. Sticking to your budget sets a good example for your child and teaches them that you are serious about limiting your spending.
The biggest obstacle parents face with children while shopping is the "Give Me's". Knowing how to deal with this often seen phenomenon early in your child's development will save you a lot of heartache later in life. For younger children, establishing a goal before going shopping and then sticking to that goal will teach your child that you will not be receptive to the "give me's". As your child gets older, teaching them to prioritize their wish list will help them figure out what they think is important and what they can do without. Budgeting is a very important part of shopping with a child. Teaching a child the importance of sticking to a budget can help curb overspending later.
A shopping trip can provide an excellent opportunity for you to bond with your child. Set the stage appropriately, and you will find that even with the youngest child, shopping can be fun.
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