Tips for shopping with your child

1. Plan Ahead
   • Check Attitudes - Is your child too tired or hungry to shop? Are you? If yes, postpone your trip or find a sitter for your child(ren).
   • Explain the Rules - Before entering the store make your expectations clear, such as "Stay close to me” and/or "Use your quiet voice."
2. At the Store
   • Make a Game out of Shopping - Who can see the bananas? Who can find the shoe store first? Who can see a person wearing red? Which store begins with a T?
   • Give Children Some Choices - When possible, allow your child to make some decisions. Blue or red socks? Chocolate or vanilla ice cream? Be prepared to bargain or compromise.
   • Play - "I see something . . .” Then ask your child what it is.
   • Praise Your Child - "You are being so helpful." A hug can be reassuring and say more than words at times.
3. If All Else Fails Remember: Kids will be kids. They are not perfect. Of course, neither are we.
   • Ignore inappropriate behavior unless it becomes dangerous, destructive, annoying to others, or truly embarrassing.
   • Remove a child who is out of control. Take him to the restroom or out of the store. Tell him quietly, eye to eye, that his behavior is absolutely unacceptable.
   • Wait - saying nothing at all - for the child to calm down, then ask if he is ready to try again.
   • Go home if the child cannot calm down. If the shopping can't wait, find a sitter and return alone.

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