by Jan Hunt
1. Remember that children have limits
If you are shopping with children, be alert to their needs: are they tired, hungry, over-stimulated by the noise and confusion, or simply need fresh air and exercise, or a hug to give them security?
2. Remember that children are naturally curious
Children are naturally curious, is this way learning about the world around them. If they want to examine an attractive, please do not scold. Instead, help them to hold the item safely, or let them know that you can look but not touch. You can say "This is an object that is broken, so let's just look together." Even if an object can not be bought, can be helpful to share the enthusiasm and interest the child is on this.
3. Shopping with babies ...
Shopping with a baby can be much easier if the trip is made after the baby has been fed. Babies and toddlers can become dehydrated in the dry air of the mall, so be sure to make several stops to feed him or give him a drink.
Babies are happier when carried. A sling or carrier worn by a parent can give a lot more comfort and emotional security that a stroller or shopping cart. A small toy to Childproof your baby can help overcome the inevitable loss of attention from parents, but remember to stop as often as possible and take a moment for gentle words, eye contact and hugs.
4. Shopping with toddlers ...
To Toddlers can begin to be included in decisions relating to the purchase. Involving the child with questions like "Which of these two peaches looks better?" Can transform a boring, frustrating experience into a more pleasurable for both the parent and the child. Children of all ages enjoy and appreciate being able to make decisions for themselves. It may also be helpful to bring a juice, a favorite snack and a coloring book preference of the child, or a book just out from the library. Being surrounded by a crowd of adults can be intimidating for young children, especially when the stores are full. The use of a backpack baby carrier can be a way to bring children to a height where they feel more satisfied. Can also be prevented in this way the common and frightening experience of losing a child in a crowd.
5. Shopping with older children ...
A older child can be very helpful when shopping, if approached in a spirit of fun and appreciation. If the parent brings food photos clipped from newspaper ads, the child can help locate the objects. Children who are old enough to buy themselves can help shorten the time finding items for themselves, returning periodically to put the items in the cart.
6. Avoid the crowds
Shopping just before dinner, when the stores are full, and parents and children are tired and hungry, can be very stressful. Try to go shopping in the morning or early afternoon on weekdays, or move dinner and shop during the quiet early hours of the night, between 6 and 7 PM. If we can avoid the stress of being in a crowded store and long lines, we have more energy and creativity to meet the needs of our child.
7. The lane can be challenging ...
out lanes that are enticing colorful packages of gum and candy can be a real challenge, especially because at the end of the shopping trip, when both the parent and children are more tired and hungry. Keeping a healthy snack from home can lead to a simple choice: "That package looks pretty, but candy is not very nutritious. Here's the oatmeal cookie and juice we brought. "Shopping at a store which have" child proof "without sweets, might warrant a longer trip. If no local store with this type of box, you can suggest this feature to store manager, promising to shop regularly if this option becomes a reality.
8. When UD. Needs to say "no" ...
The most important part of saying "no" is to communicate child are on your side, even when we can not satisfy all desires immediately. Might help to say, "This is nice, is not it? Look closely and when we get home, will your wish list. " As ever the educator John Holt said, "There is no reason why we can not say 'No' to children in a way as nice as we say 'Yes'." And remember that smiles, hugs and cuddles are all free!
9. If UD. reaches its limit ...
If UD. reaches the limit of his patience and energy, try to show by example positive ways deal with anger and fatigue. You might try saying "I'm starting to lose my patience, I think I need a break from shopping. Come out for a few minutes we can both cool off. "Even a few moments of air out of the crowd can make a big difference for both the parent and the child.
10. If your children reach their limit ...
If, after trying the above suggestions, your children have simply reached the end of their ability to handle any more errands, please respect that. Shopping can wait; an exhausted, hungry or over-excited can not.
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Remember that all children behave as well as they are treated. A child who regularly devote our time, undivided attention, patience and understanding, be more tolerant of a shopping spree - and any other difficult situation, "that a child who must face stressful situations without this emotional support.
Translated by Monica Salazar FamiliaLibre.com, in coordination with the author. English translation of the article "Ten Tips for Shopping with Children" http://www.naturalchild.org/jan_hunt/shopping.html
Jan Hunt is the director of the Project The Natural Child Project and author of the book "The Natural Child" and "The Unschooling Unmanual"
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