Getting the kids to LOVE grocery shopping

My kids cannot stand grocery shopping. It brings out their inner-naughtiness. Their behavior lately at the grocery store has been downright embarrassing that I have resorted to doing online grocery shopping.

Well, today we were down to nothing and I could not wait until tomorrow for a delivery. So this time I planned ahead. And I don't mean bribing them with cookies.

I took out the weekly circular with deals and together all three of us looked at pictures. We talked about the foods and some things that we should buy. They were so cute because they told me the basics (milk, eggs, yogurt, cheese, pretzels...even cookies, hee hee). But they were intrigued by some of the pictures of things we have not tried in awhile, like asparagus and mushrooms. Then together we built a grocery list. I made my list, but then I also quickly made them each a list with 10 items. Of course, they can't read so I drew pictures of things they were in charge of getting. We went over their lists and talked about all the things they would be buying.

Then we headed off to the store and right away they were ready. Hannah walked and Ben stayed in the cart. But they helped to put things in the cart (Ben just twisted around). And everytime they got bored or feisty, I asked, "What else is on your list?" They were ANGELS! And they even had fun! I filled an entire cart with groceries and NO ONE had a melt down.

Anyways, I just wanted to share our experience. Next time, I will take more time and make better lists for them. It was well worth it!!!

 

GREAT idea and GREAT job! Once mine are older I will remember this!
Kathleen

 

That's great Kate! Glad to hear that it went so well

 

VERY cool idea...thanks for the tip. I'm not ready to let them run loose just yet, but when I am, I'll remember this!

 

Great idea, Kate!!

Mine love to help pick things out and hold them. They also love to help put them on the conveyor.

 

I am glad that went so well. Great idea for when the little ones get older!!!

 

Great idea Kate!

 

Good job mommy! What a great idea! I'm glad it helped; what a relief!

 

Great Idea!!

 

What a great idea, I'm storing it away for the future, thanks!

 

Great idea...just another suggestion about their lists, maybe you could glue the actual pictures from the circular instead of drawing pictures. Sounds like fun!

Diane