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Tips for parents: Shop with kids--and enjoy it
MANHATTAN, Kan., (KSU)--Parents who offer a few ground rules before a shopping trip--caution in the parking lot or shopping cart, for example--can smooth the way for a successful and educational outing, said Sandy Procter, Kansas State University Research and Extension nutrition educator.
"Grocery shopping with children doesn't have to be an unpleasant experience," said Procter, a registered dietitian, experienced family shopper, and coordinator of the state's Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program.
Educational experiences at a grocery store are almost as plentiful as the products, Procter said, and include opportunities to learn about food groups; different varieties of fruits, vegetables and other food products; health benefits from food, food processing; math; and comparison shopping.
Such benefits can be lost when mother and child are tired or feeling out of sorts, said Procter, who offered these tips:
--Plan ahead. Keep a running grocery list to minimize extra trips for forgotten items.
--Shop when a store will be less crowded, such as a weekday morning or afternoon.
--Choose a time after a meal or snack and a nap, when the child is satisfied and rested.
--Take the pressure off--allow plenty of time.
--Prioritize items on the list and engage children in a last-minute check before shopping by asking them to help check supplies that are in easy reach.
"Engaging children gives them ownership in the outing and its success," Procter said. "Asking older children to match coupons to products or help read labels and look for products--such as 100 percent fruit juices rather than juices with sugar added--can help hold their interest.
"For a younger child with a short attention span, consider taking a soft toy or picture book to use when the child becomes bored or restless while shopping."
--Be specific with your children about what you expect and also about what they can expect. For example, will there be an opportunity for the child to pick his or her favorite fruit or cereal?
--Consider offering a reward, such as stopping for play at the park on the way home.
"An occasional reward is best if it is just that--occasional--and ideally, something that is health-positive," she said. "If a stop at the park on the way home is a possibility, consider taking a cooler or ice chest to keep cold foods cold."
--Consider putting peer pressure to work. Procter remembers overhearing one of her sons warning his brother: "Be good. If you mess up, we won't get to go to the park."
"If a child misbehaves, parents do have some recourse," she said.
A short chat about attitude adjustment may work wonders, said Procter, but she also suggested steering the shopping cart to the shortest checkout line and heading for home.
"Cutting the trip short can prompt cooperation on future trips," she said.
Grocery shopping is part of life, said Procter, who urged using it as an educational experience and praising children for being "good little helpers."
More information on food, food storage, nutrition and health, is available at the local K-State Research and Extension office or at www.oznet.ksu.edu .
-Sidebar
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Shopping carts dangerous
Well over 10,000 injuries leading to hospital treatment are attributed to shopping carts annually. Children, whose small hands and feet can get pinched in folding seats meant to give them a bird's eye view, can be at risk, said Sandy Procter, Kansas State University Research and Extension nutrition educator.
Procter cautioned parents to watch children closely while shopping; use a seat belt in the shopping cart, if available; and discourage a child from reaching for products on the shelf or in a display.
"Don't leave a child unattended in a cart, even if only for a few seconds to step back in an aisle," Procter said.
Date: 10/18/04
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