STILLWATER---Holiday
shopping crowds can be nerve-racking and anyone who has shopped
with children, especially young children, knows that they can make
the experience more trying and sometimes quite stressful.
There are several tips to help make
holiday shopping with children a little easier, said Debbie
Richardson, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service child
development assistant specialist.
“Try not to shop when you have had a
bad day or at the end of a tiring day when your patience is
already strained,” Richardson said. “Also make sure the children
are rested and not hungry.”
It is important to talk with your
child before shopping, she said. Let your child know it is a
special outing to go shopping with you. Your child can go along
and have fun as long as he or she understands the shopping rules.
You can even discuss what the child suggests as consequences if he
or she misbehaves.
Make your expectations clear for
appropriate behavior such as, “stay close to me,” “use your quiet
voice,” or “running in the store is not acceptable,” Richardson
said. You could also develop some “sign language” at home with the
child such as signals that mean “stop,” “come here” or “be
careful” to use while in public.
Richardson said everyone should wear
comfortable shoes and clothes while shopping.
“Take clothes or coats that can be
layered and removed so that everyone is comfortable with
temperature changes,” she said. “Also, pack snacks, a favorite toy
or comfort item, diapers or formula as needed, especially for
infants and younger children.”
Your child may not always be
interested in where you want to shop, Richardson said. Therefore,
you need to help your child make it through the places where he or
she has no interest and show interest where your child wants to
look.
Play games such as asking your child
to count how many people are wearing red, how many babies he or
she sees or how many steps it takes to get to the end of the
aisle, she said.
Another idea is to discuss the
pictures on packages, Richardson said. Have the child explain what
he or she sees, name the colors in the picture or read the words.
It is important to reinforce good
behavior, Richardson said.
“Statements such as ‘you are being so
helpful’ say a lot to a child,” she said. “Do something special
after the shopping trip or promise to play a game or read with
them when you get home and keep your promise. Also, a hug can be
reassuring and say more than words sometimes.”
If your child gets out of control or
embarrasses you, calmly pick your child up or take him or her by
the hand and go to a private place, Richardson said. Talk with
your child quietly, looking your child in the eye and tell him or
her that the behavior is inappropriate.
Richardson said wait for the child to
calm down no matter how long it takes, and then ask the child if
he or she is ready to try again. If your child does not calm down,
take him or her home and explain the reason. If the shopping
cannot wait, find a sitter, if possible, and leave your child
there while you return.
“Shopping during the holidays can be
hectic, but there are ways to make your holiday shopping
experience with your child enjoyable.”
Prepared by:
Debbie Richardson
Child Development
Assistant Specialist
Oklahoma Cooperative
Extension Service
104 HES, OSU
Stillwater, OK 74078
(405) 744-6231
dlricha@okstate.edu
