My Trick To Keep Kids From Whining For Toys At The Store

Taking children shopping can certainly feel like a chore to some mothers. I recall taking my one-year-old son and my two-year-old daughter to the store to get groceries for the week. On our way around the store my children were having a case of the “gimmes” and I really did not want a meltdown. However, I could not break the budget and buy them both something they wanted and I didn’t want to start that habit.

I told them no and for the rest of the trip I had two very cranky children filling the store with cries and screams.

On the way home, my children fell asleep and I drove in silence for a bit with thoughts and ideas about how to avoid this again. Nothing came to me and I shrugged it off.

My Trick To Keep Kids From Whining For Toys At The Store

It was not until my daughters 3rd birthday that I was asked for a list of things that my family gift her. I had no idea what she wanted, because I always shrugged off what it was she was asking for in the store. I needed to keep track of these things, so not only do I have a birthday list, but a Christmas list too.

Then it hit me: A year-round Santa list.

The very next shopping excursion I was going to test and see if my kids would actually be okay with instead of getting and item that day, that they could be content with thinking it’s on Santa’s list.

And guess what? It worked! Sure, there have been some reluctant looks and some pouting, but it’s been 6 years since I have a had a public meltdown.

All you need to do is keep a small notebook in your purse that is just for them. (These cute mini-books work perfect.) Tell your kiddos that whatever it is they want at the time, would make a perfect gift from Santa! They can even decorate their notebook with stickers or drawings.

It has worked really well for us. How do you help avert tantrums at the store?

P.S. if you’re mornings are as crazy and chaotic as mine, you’ve gotta check out Make Over Your Mornings.

by: C.R. Eckman