Plan to have a Tampa shopping spree with your kids? That might not be a good idea considering kids are generally easily bored and they want to do exciting things. Shopping for them is not fun and exciting at all. It’s not something they look forward to unless you plan to spending all your money on their toys and on every whim they have.
Don’t fret, though. You can still enjoy a shopping experience with your kids. You don’t always need to isolate them from going to the mall or the grocery store. By simply following these simple and practical tips, you’ll be on your way to become a master at bringing kids with you to public and crowded places.
Talk to them
Before bringing them to the store, ask if they want to go with you. If they do, tell them that they have to behave because you will have to accomplish a lot of things and you cannot manage both your to-do list and them at the same time. Do it nicely and talk to them like adults, so that they would appreciate you speaking to them at a level they understand.
Feed them first
Kids are cranky because of three reasons: they’re hungry, they’re bored, and they’re sleepy. You can address the first one: hunger. Before going to the mall or the grocery store, feed them and make sure that they are full. They need loads of energy if they are going to walk with you and go places with you.
Practice the reward/punishment system
It’s an old system, but it’s a system that works like magic still. Tell your kids that they are going to have a little reward if they behave well while you’re doing all the errands. If they do not, they will have less time for play later on. The next time they come with you, they know that if they want something, they will have to pay it with good behavior and good deed.
Buy something for them
It does not always have to be a toy because admit it, that brings nothing to them unless it’s an educational toy. You can buy them a nice pair of shoes, a book, a new school bag, or even just a set of crayons. As long as they feel that they are part of the reason why you are in a mall, then that should be fine. You may also purchase their favorite snack, so they will look forward to something.