Grocery stores and shopping trips can turn toddlers into little monsters. Here's how to make this weekly outing less stressful and more enjoyable for both of you.
• Rule No. 1: Don't go just before naptime or mealtime.
• Involve your children as much as possible. Have them help make up the grocery list. Let them make some choices in the store, but only offer options that you can live with. For example, offer a choice of three different kinds of cereal.
• Bring your own healthy snack.
• Let your kids pick out one item that is just for them. At the end of the trip, let them have their special item as a reward.
• Give your child her own job; for example, she could carry coupons and look for the items in the store.
• Play I Spy at the checkout.
• Let him help unload the cart onto the checkout belt.
• Face the fact that sometimes nothing works. All the other parents in the store have experienced their children's tantrums; just give yourself a reward for getting through it.
