what do people with young children need when they do there shopping?

Question

as in what help do people with children need and or expect when they go shopping

as in what do you expect from the store and staff

Answer 1

Some checkout aisles to be free of clutter; the self checkout girl not to be a psycho who enjoys pressing the "visual item check" button on customers with squealing, food-snagging children; the self checkouts not to be located right next to the exit in case an autie or other kid gets curious and tries to wander away and actually succeeds....

Patience. Lots and lots of patience to deal with the lovely layouts of stores that make sure your kids see all kinds of stuff you are supposed to want to buy.... See, it's not the kids' fault when they go nuts in a store.... :)

Answer 2

I don't expect anything from the store / staff. I bring my young children shopping to show them how to act appropriately in public. Yes, it's nice at the grocery store, they can ride a bit and don't have to walk as much...but they love helping to put groceries in the cart.

Answer 3

it really depends on the kids...and you. A shopping list so it can be quick and organized, a cart with entertainment and enough seating is always good,( like the shopping carts shaped like a car), Maybe a friend to help hold hands and keep control. If there are older kids, (like 5+) you can put them in charge of a younger child. ( have them hold hands) there are child harnesses that are great for energetic kids. Some stores have great family facilities, (like family bathrooms, nursing areas, family checkout lanes, or in store day care. Ikea is awesome for this!)
I was the oldest of 10 kids and these tips worked for our shopping trips!

Answer 4

A babysitter preferably!!! Otherwise things for them to do - because they get so bored. A special book or toy perhaps.

Also encouraging them to be good with offering a reward if they behave. Eg a 20c bubblegum ball that they saw on the way in the shop. Or a special sticker when you get home.

I also make sure they have gone to the toilet before leaving home and take a drink of water for them. And try to make sure they are not hungry - give them a healthy snack before leaving (or leave just after lunch). Otherwise they will definately want to go to the toilet OR have a drink OR "Mum, I'm hungry.....!!!!!!!"

Answer 5

What is with help and expectation? They are children, you are the adult, take charge! Explain this is what will be happening, good behaviour throughout the exercise will result in reward (not food!) bad behaviour results in no reward! ......only other suggestion is tail someone with 3 or 4 kids (well-behaved) listen and learn!
Two posts later..............It's not the job of staff to make your job easier, when you have the kids, you are the one in control,not the teacher, storeperson,creche person, they learn from parents what is acceptable and what isn't depending on YOUR rules!

Answer 6

Wider aisles is the only thing I can think of with a two year old who grabs everything from the shelves! All kidding aside, really nothing. I am making the choice to take my child with me. I have never really had any problems with any store/staff. Usually they are friendly and stop to talk to him.

Answer 7

When I have to take my children (9 year old & 7 year old twins, all boys) to the supermarket, sometimes I make sure I have a rough shopping list, then I split it up between them, and they are in charge of retrieving those items. It makes them feel involved and it doesn't drive me crazy. They may offer to push the trolley, let them. As for going to the shopping mall, or clothes shopping, I can only do this in 30mins stints if I'm lucky, who can blame them, its boring for them.

Answer 8

i take my daughter shopping and i pack a back pack with chips and biscuits with a pop top and a bottle just incase she gets whingy. i also take nappies and wipes and change of clothes else i need to make sure she has a good day out and doesnt need anything.

but with the staff i dont like them asking if they can look in my nappy bag because i have to pull everything out of the bag so they can see that i havnt taken anything then i have to pack everything perfectly and neat again and it depends on how many shops i go in i can waste upto 30 minutes a day unpacking and packing the bag to prove im not a theif.

Answer 9

Creche/play area my kids are a nightmare so only take them when its total necassary. I go when hubby at home and i leave them with him. Dont know whats worse if or the kids tho

Answer 10

A babysitter!