Shopping during the holiday season can be stressful sometimes and it can be even harder when the kids are with you. However, there are a few things that you can do to make shopping trips as pleasurable as possible.
- Plan ahead! Choose the least hectic time of day that suits your child’s routine. We all cope better when we’re calm and not tired or hungry.
- Talk before you go. Explain what you’re shopping for and involve you child in the plan around where you’re going and what you’re planning to buy. Let them know what you expect of them. Give them one or two jobs to do like choose the Christmas napkins, bonbons, or other items on your list.
- Keep it short. Several brief trips are often better than one marathon shopping adventure. If your trip goes longer than planned, stop for a snack or drink. Break up the trip by doing something your child enjoys, like the free Christmas entertainment many shopping centres offer.
- Tune in and have fun. Be present with your child on the trip – talk, laugh and have a jolly good time together. Let your child know when they are doing something you like. Give them a smile, a hug or another sign of affection to let them know they are loved, and their behaviour is appreciated.
- Encourage kindness and goodwill to others. If your children are buying gifts for others, talk to them about what they want to buy and the best stores to visit before you set out – praise them for thinking of others and showing some Christmas spirit.