How To Entertain Your Child at the Grocery Store

Tips to Entertain Your Children at the Grocery Store

As a busy parent, you know how important it is to get to the store. When you have your little one in tow, you can pretty side tracked and distracted. After all, it can be hard for little ones to stay still, remain happy, and engaged. If you are at a loss when it comes to making sure you child is entertained while you’re grocery shopping, read on to gain some helpful tips and tricks.

Play I Spy

Toddlers love playing this color recall game. And, since there’s so much to look at, you’ll never run out of things to seek out and call out.

2. Give Them a List

You can give your preschooler or kindergartener a shopping list of their own. If your child cannot read yet, draw a picture of each item they need to shop for. Allow them to walk by you or push their own mini cart (if they are able to do so calmly). Help guide them by letting them know when they are in a section that contains something on their list. Older elementary aged children can get sent throughout the aisles to fulfill their list on their own.

3. Develop Vocabulary

While your baby may not be able to speak yet, it doesn’t mean they can’t listen to you. Name items that you select and allow your baby to touch (or even taste) them. You can also use describing words to help build their vocabulary. For example, you can pick up an apple, and emphasize it’s pronunciation to help increase phonetic awareness. You can say things like, “The apple is red,” or “The apple is smooth and round.”

4. Use an Cart Cover

You can purchase a cart cover. These fabric items help nestle your child in the cart; keeping them comfortable. It also prohibits any items from falling through the cracks, so they can bring a stuffed animal or toy from home.

5. Attach a Teether

Many babies get especially fussy while sitting in a shopping cart because of the pain they are in while teething. So, you can attach a teether to the cart’s bar so it stays off the floor, and it’s also easy for your little one to access if they need to gnaw on something. The same goes for a pacifier, which can help appease the fussy shopper (for a bit any way).

6. Buy a Busy Book

Busy books are felt books that are made for one sole purpose-keeping your little one busy! They contain items that can be velcroed into place, as well as other soft manipulatives to play with, match up, or decorate. This will ensure your child is distracted (in a good way) and will have their hands busy, so they won’t feel the need to grab onto shelved items as you’re shopping.

Shopping is a necessity. And, a parent doesn’t always have the luxury of leaving a little one at home or in the care of a sitter. So, when you’re out and about on your next shopping excursion, consider some of the tips and tricks to ensure you speedy, successful session.