There are few things which are guaranteed in life, but one of the unfortunate things that does fall into this category is that kids hate shopping. The result? It’s a pure battleground between kids and parents, and nobody tends to become the winner.
Of course, this is going to be an issue for as long as the world spins around. On the plus side, there can be some tips you can implement to make the day run a little smoother, and at least make the two (or more) of you have a more enjoyable day.
Location, location, location
OK, it’s become a bit of a cliché, but when it comes to this topic we really can’t preach the importance of location, location, location. Some areas just aren’t suited to kids, while others will make the day much easier.
To coin some examples, Covent Garden in London can be fantastic for all parties. For you, there are an avalanche of shops, while the area also caters for little people with a range of kids’ stores. It means that there is something for them there, and they might get a little respite from just shopping for grown up clothes.
The day needs to be a game
It goes without saying that your shopping adventure isn’t going to compete with the latest games console, but the day can be made a little easier if you break things up into a game.
One of the best games in this regard is to make the shopping trip into a challenge. It might be asking your little one to find the items you are looking for in the shop, or it might be about seeing if they can spot ‘x’ signs along the trip. For example, they may need to tick off five “blue” shops as part of their challenge.
It sounds simple, but it can at least switch their mind into focussing on something else but the shopping.
There needs to be a schedule
Most children rely on routines, and this is the day you have to put it into practice more than ever before. If they are faced with shopping until an unknown time, things can certainly drag. If there are set points where the day is broken up, things suddenly start to become a bit more manageable.
On the subject of schedules…
We’ve just touched upon the power of routine in a child’s life, and that brings us nicely onto this next point. Sure, you can plan a day until it’s time to go home, but there needs to be a break for rewards as well.
Again, this is where your shopping location matters. If you are in the right sort of area, you’ll find plenty for your little one to stay entertained with at various points in the day. It might be a restaurant, or it might be a toy shop. Regardless, make sure that they are aware at set points of the day the day will be dedicated solely for them. As hard as it can sound, it’s about compromising for the two of you.