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Kids, Whining and Grocery Stores
"Mom, can I push the cart?" "Can I do it this week mom -- you PROMISED!"
"It's my turn -- nooooooooooooo...MOM!!!!!!!!!"
With everyone's eyes glaring at you, you know THOSE eyes from the other 92
grocery store customers, (yeah, those eyes) -- you feel like disappearing.
Does this scenario sound and feel familiar? Well, if it does, it's only just
the beginning -- really, right as you step inside the door this fiasco
begins. Right?
Here are a few doable tips that might work for your crew:
- Tell them what behavior you expect and the consequences if they don't.
- Follow through on the consequences.
- If they begin to cry or throw a fit, leave the store and come home with
nothing.
- Help them make a wish list and they can bring it into the store.
- Make your own list.
- Tell them you are going to buy only what is on your list because they are
the things you need to make meals.
- Tell them you will buy one thing off of their wish list if their behavior
is acceptable but do not use the word "promise."
- Don't give into whining.
- Let them help to add things to the cart.
- Make it a fun time by asking them to find an item -- this also helps them
to learn to read.
- If they are old enough, let them bring a hand held calculator and add up
the items -- this teaches math skills as well as responsibilities.
- Go early in the morning or late in the evening when crowds are smaller and
you can spend a little more time asking and answering questions.
- If you are in a rush, leave them at home with dad, baby-sitter or friend.
Remember, all moms are working moms and are the real CEOs in life.
Check out my new Mommy,CEO totes, cups and T-shirts on the ParentToParent.com
website and order yours today. They are beautiful, practical
and washable. Come on moms -- tell and show the world who you are!
©2004 Jodie Lynn
Jodie Lynn is an internationally syndicated parenting/family columnist. If
you are a writer, check our her new Ebook, Syndication Secrets to see how
you can make success happen! Her latest paperback book is
Mommy-CEO: 5 Golden Rules, 2001 revised edition.
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