Few parents look forward to shopping with their kids. Whether it’s due to money or the threat of a temper tantrum, a family shopping trip can be a huge hassle. But it doesn’t have to be that way anymore! Next time you’re off to buy food or pick up clothes, remember these tips. They’ll help you get what you need without a major mishap.
Time your shopping trips
Let’s say it’s six o’clock in the evening and you forgot to go grocery shopping, so you bundle everyone into the car and head to the store. What’s the likelihood one of your kids starts to cry before you reach the cash?
The chances are high when they’re hungry. An empty tummy can lead to a very cranky toddler who’s ready to wail in the middle of the aisle.
Timing, therefore, is crucial when it comes to shopping with your family. In addition to making sure they’re full, you’ll want your children to be well rested and feeling well before they tag along on any shopping trip.
For your own peace of mind, you’ll also want to coordinate your shopping trips around other shoppers. If your schedule allows it, try to shop when it’s less crowded. Weekends when the stores first open will have fewer people slowing down your trip.
If you’re short on time, check out these stores first. They have both adult and child sections, so you can shop for everyone all at once without having to hustle all over the mall.
Plan ahead for your budget
With the way your kids grow like weeds, brand new clothes are a costly expense you’re paying for often. You can cut some of the costs by shopping out of season. In other words, while stores display their summer pieces, you’ll want to find the sales rack with the remaining fall and winter clothes. These older fashions tend to be cheaper because retailers are looking to make room for newer clothes.
Planning your trip around the calendar year can be a challenge, especially when you’re running a busy household. Don’t beat yourself up if you miss end-of-season sales. You’ll just have to divert cash from other areas of your budget to cover needed clothing.
Around the new school year, this may take a sizeable chunk out of your savings, leaving your unprepared for emergencies. Until you can return balance to your budget, you can use installment loans to help bridge the gap in your finances. As one of the easiest, fastest ways to get cash online, an installment loan complements your busy schedule. You can apply in minutes at any time of the day or night. To see how that’s possible, click here to learn more about online installment loans.
Use distractions
A quick trip to the store can feel like eons to a young mind. As soon as they’re bored, they’ll become a handful, so the trick is not to let them.
This is easier than you think. Simply engaging them in the trip by making a game out of shopping can help ease their boredom. You can do that by playing trivia games or ‘I Spy’ while you go down the aisles. If you have a phone or tablet you’re willing to share, you can let them play their favorite games or music while you shop.
You can also get them involved by giving them a job. Ask them to find an item, organize your cart, or follow along with a budget.
Reward good behavior
It’s not cheating to promise a treat for good behavior. Rewards can go a long way to keep your children quiet and respectful as you shop.
They don’t have to be elaborate. They can be a piece of candy, a small pack of trading cards, or time doing something they love back at home.
The important part is they understand the full terms of the agreement. If they’re good, they’ll get their reward. If they’re bad, they don’t receive their treat. This shows you’re serious and that their actions have consequences.
Shopping isn’t always easy when you have your entire family in tow, but it doesn’t have to be impossible. Keep these tips in mind the next time you run out to the store. They might help you avoid a major issue.
