Save Your Sanity and Leave the Toddlers Behind When You Shop

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 We have all looked on in horror as in the middle of the supermarket a poor, beleaguered parent has been held to ransom by a pint-sized toddler throwing the granddaddy of all tantrums. You may even have been unlucky enough to have been one of those parents. Even knowing that you are not the only person that this has ever happened to will not be enough to make you feel less guilty, embarrassed or just downright ashamed that you have such an appallingly behaved child.

Double Bracket: The best inheritance a father can give his children is a few moments of his time every day

What is it about a supermarket aisle that can bring out the worst in even the most mild-tempered toddler? It could be the heightened atmosphere; all that noise, excitement, bright lights and fancy displays are meant to increase your appetite to buy things you probably do not want or need. Unfortunately, they can also bring out the worst in your little ones. Let’s face it, shopping and toddlers are never a good mix.

Experienced parents know that a toddler in full tantrum mode cannot be negotiated with; threats are useless once the tantrum is underway. Anyway, the time for punishment comes after the tantrum is well and truly over. There is not much you can do apart from abandoning all pretence of shopping and get out of there as soon as your child has calmed down enough to get them to the parking lot.

The only way to avoid a potential tantrum is to leave your toddlers behind and do the shopping on your own. You will have the added bonus of a hassle-free experience devoid of pester-power. In case you aren’t familiar with the term ‘pester-power’ it is a formidable weapon in a child’s armoury when they want something. It is also a concept beloved by marketers who know that they can get to you via your beloved children but I digress. Leaving the kids at home is the best way to avoid the temper-tantrum.

Successful, toddler-free shopping takes careful planning, but in the end it will all be worth it. Here are a few ideas:

  • Late night shopping – your little darlings should be tucked up in bed asleep so why not use the convenience of late closing?
  • Online shopping – most supermarkets will offer online shopping. Convenient, time-saving and ultimately money-saving because if you buy in bulk then you will probably save not just your sanity but also money
  • Pay a sitter – if your partner or a grandparent are not available and you don’t have a reliable or willing, neighbour then why not pay a babysitter? Yes, there will be a cost but that is surely a small price to pay for keeping your dignity intact. Actually the cost may be offset by not having to buy stuff to placate the tantrum thrower.

Prevention is always so much better than cure. And let’s face it – there really is no on-the-spot cure for a tantrum. Leave your little ones at home and enjoy a quiet, quick and hassle-free shopping experience.

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