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From the Desk of Bill Cirone...
November 20, 1998
Tips for shopping with your child
It can be trying, and even stressful, to shop in a grocery store or mall with a small child. Here are some steps that can help:
First, plan ahead by explaining the rules. Make your expectations clear before entering the store. Say: "Stay close to me." "Use your quiet voice," and "No begging for candy." Select a secret word or signal that you can both use to get the immediate attention of the other. Role-play at home about how to act at the store.
Agree on rewards for good behavior. A favorite snack food or a stop at the park are good examples. Promise to read a story or play at game at home.
It also helps to pack a treat. Bring a nutritious snack for the child, such as raisins, cut up apples, or nuts. Bring a storybook for the child to look at. Keep a supply of little action figures or small manipulative toys handy. Try bringing a favorite blanket, toy or book from home. For a small child, tie a favorite soft toy to the handle of the shopping cart or stroller.
Check your child's emotions. Is your child too tired or hungry to shop? Are you? If the answer is yes, postpone your trip or find a sitter for your child. Go when you and the child are rested. Don't wait until the end of a tiring day.
At the store, make a game out of shopping. Who can see the bananas? Who can spot the potatoes first? Do you remember what animal bacon comes from? Let's count all the tennis shoes we see on people's feet. Let's see how many Bs you can find on signs. Let's guess how much something is going to cost.
Sing songs. Make up a silly one together about spinach or broccoli.
Play "I see something." Then ask your child to guess what it is. Give hints to challenge the imagination. Describe a food in the cart and have the child guess the food.
Discuss the pictures on the packages. Find five things in each aisle that start with the letter "S," are red, are in cans, are for eating, are NOT for eating.
Have the child help you name all the vegetables in the cart, all the meats, milk products, etc. Count how many steps it takes to get from the Cheerios to the Frosted Flakes. While waiting in line, retell you child's favorite story, having the child chime in on the verses he or she knows.
All these activities can help.
© Santa Barbara County Education Office
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