Tackling the Town With Kids in Tow
- Younger children can misbehave when they are tired, hungry, or bored
- When running errands with children, be prepared for negative behavior
- There are techniques for keeping them happy during the day
Make Errand-running With Kids Less of a Chore
You have a long list of errands to run, yet you want to spend some time with your children. Doing both at the same time may sound like a practical way to accomplish it all, yet most experienced parents cringe at the thought.
Parents taking online classes don't have time to waste. Below are tips that will make your errand-running less stressful and help everyone to enjoy their time together.
Make a Plan and Prioritize
One sure way to make the most of your time running errands is to have a plan. Make a list of the stops you want to make and prioritize them in order of importance. Remember that traveling with children (especially those in car seats) means that each stop will take longer than usual.
Having a plan, but staying flexible when considering everyone's needs, is the best way to be productive at running errands.
Prep Them
Simply taking a few minutes to prepare your children for the day's errands can work wonders for their attitude. When children know what to expect and what behavior is expected out of them they are more likely to act accordingly.
Let your children in on the plans so they can be prepared as well.
Give Them Their Downtime
Even the most easy-going children don't function well if they miss their naps. When heading out with your children make sure it is a time of day when they are well-rested. You may be able to push their nap time back a little bit, but going too far may be pushing your luck.
Even if it means putting additional errands on hold for now, give your children their much-needed downtime and you will be rewarded. They will be more tolerant of the stimuli of the outside world and more pleasant to be around.
Bring Along Helpful Gear
Diaper bags, strollers, baby wraps, carriers…you purchased them, now is the time to use them. But before you pack everything into your car think about what items may be most helpful.
Double strollers are great when you have a toddler and a baby, but sometimes a baby wrap and an umbrella stroller works the best when maneuvering through narrow aisles and doorways. Also consider the shopping cart situation. They come in different shapes and sizes and some are easier for carting children and merchandise than others.
Go at It Alone
Enlisting the help of another adult when running errands may sound like a great idea, but that's not always the case. You'd think that throwing an extra adult into the mix equals more help, but not necessarily.
Many kids quickly learn to take advantage of the adults interacting. If you have a family member, friend or even your spouse with you, the children know that you'll be busy talking.
Let's face it, you're distracted and they know it. They tend to act up more knowing they can possibly get away with it because you won't be paying as close attention. Plus eliminating other distractions means you can spend the time interacting with your children instead, which a win-win for all.
Keep Everyone Fueled
Kids and empty stomachs don't mix. Make sure your children have been fed before you leave the house. It's also a good idea to have plenty of snacks and beverages on hand in case you are gone longer than planned.
Don't ignore your hunger cues either. A hungry parent usually is not a very patient parent.
Take Plenty of Potty Breaks
You don't want to find yourself traveling in the car or waiting in a long check-out line with a child who HAS to go to the bathroom. Since children are not always good at predicting when they'll have to go, it is a good policy to swing by the restroom each time you enter a store.
The same is true when dining alone with your children. You don't want to be interrupted half-way through your meal by an "I have to go to the bathroom" and then have to take everyone along with you.
Make a quick pit stop right when you get there and hopefully you can avoid these unpleasant surprises.
Reward Good Behavior
By letting your children know how much you appreciate their good behavior they will feel a sense of pride and be encouraged to continue their cooperation. Little rewards work well also.
Many parents choose to reward their children's good behavior, but saving their surprise for the end isn't the only way to go.
For example, you may plan on spending a few dollars on a matchbox car and notepad if your son and daughter act appropriately at the store. But instead of constantly reminding them of this and dealing with their excitement which leads to continuous questions like, "Are we done yet?" try hitting the toy aisle first.
Pick up their prizes right when you get to the store and allow them to hold them as you shop. Instruct them not to open the items and remind them that this will be their reward for good behavior. Chances are they will be distracted with the excitement of holding their new toy that they get to open once you check out that they will let you finish your shopping in peace (knowing full well that they won't get their reward if they misbehave).
This works well for young children who may not understand the value of delayed rewards that come after good behavior.
Get Them Involved
Allowing your children to help with the small tasks and make some of the decisions can help them feel involved and engaged. Give them easy choices to make like which color cart to use or which aisle to go down first.
You can also put them in charge of locating certain products on shelves or crossing items off of your shopping list. Getting creative and playing games such as "I Spy" or practicing their counting can also be a pleasant way to pass the time and connect with your children.
Jennifer Applin is a freelance writer and will soon be the mother of six young children born within a 5-year span. Her writing focuses on strategies for busy parents to juggle it all.
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