9 Tips for Grocery Shopping with Kids
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Albertsons. Regardless, all opinions and experiences are 100% my own.
You can bet that with 5 kids, we have experienced our fair share of meltdowns in the grocery store. It is never fun and we have learned a few tips for grocery shopping with kids over the years to make it more bearable.
Grocery Shopping with Kids
Kids are all different. Stores are not set up the same. Moods change from moment to moment. So many variables come together while at the grocery store. Some of those things we, as parents, have complete control over, whereas other situations just seem to take on a life of their own.
Knowing that, we came up with 9 tips for grocery shopping with kids:
- Before you even leave for the store, sit down with your kids and menu plan for the week. Check the store’s weekly ads and budget accordingly. The ads could be a great resource for meal planning. Do your research before you go.
- Clearly lay out your expectations. My kids know not to ask for anything (or that they can have 1 thing from a certain aisle). Not to run off. No fighting. Who gets to push the buggy. Who is holding the shopping list. Who gets the receipt. Yes, all of these things are coveted duties on our shopping trips!
- Make a list of everything you need from the store. I never like shopping without a list. Plus, if possible, try to arrange and organize your list based on your store’s aisles. That will make the shopping trip flow a little more seamlessly and quickly.
- Speaking of quickly, learn to speed shop. We actually time ourselves sometimes to see if we can get in and out under 30 minutes. And, yes, we can. Get only the things on your list, know which brands you want, and know the sales before you walk into the store.
- Consider the kids’ schedules before leaving the house. Have they had a nap? Need one. Are they going to be hungry? Maybe a quick snack before you leave to grocery shop is in order. Not to mention, try not to head during the store at typical “rush hour” times. Think ahead in your timing.
- If you must shop knowing your child will get hungry, carry snacks. These little finger foods have saved us plenty of times.
- Play games along the way. A game of grocery bingo or “I Spy.” Ask the kids to find certain colors or have a scavenger hunt ready to go as you walk down the aisles. Give them a calculator and let them add up the total. Math games are always a way to keep their minds busy and great teachable moments in the store.
- In addition to playing games, let the kids help with the shopping. Ask them to look for products on the shelves. Let a child push the buggy or scan the items at the register. Our kids even take turns scanning the card to pay and then another one takes the receipt. There are plenty of jobs to delegate out while grocery shopping.
- Finally, and most importantly, be flexible. I am not a huge fan of grocery shopping some times either, so I know that the kids may not be in the mood for it either. Be willing to accommodate their needs as you work together as a family to get the task done.
What tips for grocery shopping with kids do you have?
