Ok, I know a lot of you out there will think that I am probably crazy after reading the next sentence. I really like going grocery shopping with my kids. I know, I know. You are all thinking that I have lost my mind or been out working in the sun too long today. I really do enjoy it (most of the time). 🙂
I try to set up stopping points around the store where the kids can do something fun. We usually stop in the toys and look at a few things. Both kids are earning an allowance every week now, so they usually have enough for at least a $1 car. One store in particular is great because they have a fish tank at the back of the store and a lobster tank near the produce department and a penny pony ride at the front. We do some shopping. Stop and look at the toys. Do some more shopping. Stop and say “hi” to the fishies. Do some more shopping. Go say “hi” to the lobsters. If they are good during the whole trip, including check out, then they get a couple penny rides on the pony.
Things don’t always go smoothly (kids are kids) but usually things go fairly well. They like to be part of things. DS helps put cartons of milk in the bottom of the cart. DD helps me count how many boxes or cans or cartons go in the basket. They both love to scan the groceries at check out. It took less than a minute to teach them what a bar code looks like, and now they scan everything that it’s breakable or damageable (we’re still working on being gentle with stuff).
They also feel like they have some control because they are part of some of the decisions. Simple questions teach them to make decisions. What type of macaroni and cheese should we get this time? We only are going to buy 2 boxes of cereal today, what kinds should we get? What color peppers would you like to eat this week? It also teaches them about consequences. When they complain about having to eat the same type of macaroni and cheese several times in a row, I simply tell them that that was the only kind that they wanted to buy last time.
It also teaches them about budgeting and money management and setting purchasing priorities. They are learning that just because we want something or we are out of a favorite cereal, doesn’t mean we always buy it. If it’s not on sale or we don’t have a coupon, we usually don’t bring it home. They also seem to be learning that groceries don’t magically end up at home.
Beyond teaching them, it really can be fun. We have “friends” who always work on particular days or in particular departments and we try to go find them to say hello (which also teaches them about outreach and taking time for others). We race down an aisle then stop suddenly. We look for numbers and letters. We sing songs and dance as we walk around. We see if we can find things that make us think of nursery rhymes or songs. We just get goofy and laugh. They learn (and I am reminded) that even things that have to get done in life don’t have to be boring. We get a few hours of quality time while I get a necessary chore done. They learn life skills without even knowing it. It’s a win all around!
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