Ways to make shopping enjoyable...for everyone!

Here they are, the after Christmas sales! Whoo-hoo! You are ready to spend all of that hard earned money, pumped up and good to go!
I know how much fun shopping can be, but I also know how fast it can become a nightmare for all involved if you have children with you that are just simply not interested in getting all the good deals available, they just want to go...NOW!

I am here to give you some pointers on how to make a long shopping day enjoyable...you heard me...you can make this fun, for all!

Prepare before you go shopping! Pack some snacks in your purse, always have something to drink along with you and here is my secret... carry entertainment with you! Be it a game boy for older kids or an mp3 player, a toy or stuffed animal for smaller kids, anything that will keep them busy for a little while.

Tell them what you expect of them and what their reward will be if the meet the expectations. For example: I expect you to listen when I ask you to stay with me, to not scream or yell, to not whine and to always stay where I can see you! If this day goes well we can play 2 games of memory together and have some cookies after we get home.

Set realistic goals. For example: We will go to 4 stores. Tell your kids where you will go and what you are looking for! They can help you look for the items and that will make time go by faster for them. Reward them for good behavior. We like to take our son out to one of his favorite fast food places right around the middle of our shopping day.

Set your child up for success! If you notice your children getting tired or grumpy, don't get aggravated or try to cram as much shopping into the remaining time you have before they have a complete melt down! Take a break. Go sit down on a bench somewhere with them or hang out in the car for a few minutes while eating a snack. Give them time to relax before you return to your shopping!

Make it exciting! Yeah we found a great deal on this! Thank you for helping me find this! Hey, we can use this for your room! I am so proud of you for being so good! Tell jokes, be a little silly...you get my point, right?

All in all...have fun hunting for good deals together,
Nadine