2) Talk to your child about your expectations before you leave home. Let them know that they must stay with you or they will need to hold your hand at all times. Provide them with the rules each time you go shopping. Keep your directions simple and be sure you have eye contact while discussing the rules.
3) Plan trips after meals. Feeding your children before you head out to the mall will prevent more crankiness than necessary. Children that are not hungry are normally better behaved. If possible, let them know that you will stop for a treat at the mall, maybe an ice cream cone or some other favorite treat once the shopping has been completed.
4) If you don’t plan to stop for a treat, pack some small snacks and drinks with you. Bring along a few bottles of water and some pretzels that your children can eat sometime during the shopping trip. Take a break and sit down on a bench rather than letting them eat in the stores.
5) Use the internet to do your planning before going to the mall. You might choose one or two people from your list per shopping trip. Taking some time to look on the internet for gift ideas will help you use your time in the mall wisely.
6) If your child is old enough, let them help you decide on a gift. You might pick out two different items that will work for a specific person and then they can decide between the two. Involving your children in the gift giving helps them to feel they are important and teaches them the importance of giving, rather than always receiving gifts.
7) Plan for time for your child to do something they enjoy during the shopping trip. This might be a visit to Santa Claus or a trip to look through the toy store.
8) When shopping for holiday parties, plan your shopping trip ahead of time. Use your knowledge of your grocery store to plan your list. Divide the items by the aisles they are in to make the shopping easier and more efficient.
9) Determine rewards and consequences before you head out the door. Let your child know what will happen if they behave well during the time at the mall and what will happen if they do not behave correctly. Rewards can be the ice cream after shopping or staying up late to watch a favorite television show once you are back home. Consequences may be going to bed early or losing television privileges. Remind your children throughout the shopping trip of the rewards and consequences.
10) Be consistent. Use the same strategies each time you go to the mall. These tips can be used throughout the year, not just during the holiday season.
Once you have begun a routine and are consistent with your child, the entire family will be able to enjoy shopping together.
