As much as we like to make everything fun and exciting for our children, the reality is groceries need to be purchased and essentials must be found at Target or Walmart. It is in these moments that our toddler inevitably loses all control, ending up in tantrums, or simply displaying less than stellar behavior. While these moments can be trying there are a few strategies to employ for a more successful go at errands with your toddler(s) in tow.
1. Make a game of it. Involving your toddler in the excursion is one way to gain their attention and work on various developmental skills at the same time. Turn a trip to the grocery store into a scavenger hunt, equipping your toddler with a list of items (comprised of pictures and/or words) and a separate basket (if old enough to manage). We have a collection of index cards with various food items in a recipe box. When the time comes for grocery shopping the adult in charge can grab 4-5 cards depending on what is on the list that day.
2. Map it out. Heading out for multiple errands? Take a few minutes before the trip to create a map of the area you plan to cover, marking each destination with a picture. This will keep your toddler engaged in the car and eager to investigate the next stop on the trip. Don’t worry too much about accuracy or directionality, this exercise is designed to introduce the concept of a map to your toddler and familiarize them with the purpose of a map. (Need to cheat on this one, print out a map using Google or Mapquest and allow your toddler to place stickers on the various destinations.)
3. Use music to create the mood. Music is a great way to energize any activity. Select a shopping theme song to play on each drive to the grocery store or change the words to a familiar nursery song. Try “A shopping we will go, a shopping we will go…We will buy some vegetables, a shopping we will go” changing what you will buy each verse.
While it can be easy to appease a toddler with snacks and an iPhone, try your best to engage your child through activity and tasks that help develop impulse control. Shopping with a toddler is by no means an easy feat, but with consistency you can help your child hone his/her skills in a way that will shape a calmer experience for everyone.
Chrissy K is a passionate educator, parenting specialist, and mother of two. She can be found celebrating all the adventures of toddlerhood at StrongTots.