How to Prevent Supermarket Tantrums
Useful Ways to Stop Kids from Behaving Badly during Shopping Trips
Many young children throw tantrums at supermarkets because they are surrounded by things they want but can’t have. Parents are always at a loss when this happens – they either quickly give in to the child’s demand or ignore the child. The first approach only teaches the child that tantrums are the best way to get things he wants while the second approach is likely to prolong the shouting and crying.
So what’s a parent to do? The best solution is not to bring the child along on shopping trips. However, since this is often not possible, some planning and strategies will help prevent an outburst at the supermarket.
Involve Kids in the Shopping Experience
Kids become bored and restless if they have no real purpose while tagging along with their parents at the supermarket. But if they have something useful to do, they are more likely to focus on the task and not on making unreasonable demands. Ask them to help place light and non-breakable items into the cart. They will enjoy doing that.
Use a Mini Supermarket Cart
Some supermarkets provide mini carts for children. Make use of those. Kids love pushing the carts and load them with some items. If none is provided, get your own mini cart. These are available from toy stores. Give the child his own shopping list – his breakfast cereal, favorite cookie or yoghurt. It’s okay for him to choose one or two items of his choice as well.
Pick a Suitable Time
Timing is crucial for a successful supermarket trip. Avoid shopping when it’s the child’s nap time, when he is tired, hungry and cranky. The parent too should be in a reasonable good mood when shopping. Otherwise, tempers may flare from both parent and child, making supermarket tantrums even harder to control.
Keep Shopping Brief
Many parents shop only once a week to save time. But that also means each shopping trip can last an hour or more and this can spell trouble. Kids get bored and frustrated easily on such long shopping trips. They are also likely to see even more things they want but can’t have. The consequence can be explosive! So keep it short. If need be, shop twice instead of once a week so that the parent can have a shorter shopping hours each time.
Distract the Child
Distraction is a powerful tool. If the child starts to show signs of restlessness and agitation, offer him a toy or a picture book that has been safely tucked in the handbag. Bring his favorite snacks and a drink along too. Giving him an occasional cuddle and kiss and talking to him during the shopping trip will help him be more cooperative as well.
Avoid Temptation Aisles
Aisles filled with toys and candies are danger zones. If possible, avoid these areas altogether. Otherwise, make a quick dash. The fewer things that catch the child’s attention, the better it will be.
Reward Good Behavior
Set some rules before the child even steps into the supermarket. Make him understand that if he throws a tantrum, he won’t get anything he wants. However, if he cooperates and behaves beautifully, there will be a reward waiting for him – his favorite ice cream or a visit to the playground later.
Although supermarket tantrums often create a high pressure situation that gives children the upper hand, they shouldn’t be tolerated. To avoid such embarrassing and annoying situations, parents should get children to be involved in the shopping trip, let them use mini carts, pick the right time to go shopping, keep the shopping trip short, avoid aisles stocked with toys and candies as well as reward children when they behave on shopping trips.
References:
Siegel, Eleanor and Linda. Keys to Disciplining your Young Child. (USA: Barrons’ Educational Series, 1993).
Waters, Dr. Brent and Kennedy, Liz . Every Kid. (Australia: Doubleday, 2001).
Kids are Prone to Supermarket Tantrums
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