Thursday, February 20, 2020

How to save tears

Crying is a common occurrence for babies and toddlers at Walmart. I have witnessed more than one “tear storm” where one wailing child incites others to respond in solidarity. So why all the sad songs in the place whose motto is “Save Money, live better?”

Most retail super department stores are designed to be an overload. The sounds, smells, sights and textures shout, “We are great and have what you want.” Add in large numbers of shoppers and associates and any tot is bound to be overwhelmed. 

So what can parents do to help their children face this confusing  activity?  


1) Don’t shop when your child is tired.
           Tired + overload = major stress no exceptions.

2) Double team shopping as much as possible.
          Single parents are amazing. Ask a friend to join you for help.
          If you have a significant other shop when you both can take part.

3) Screaming kids need to know that shouting ends shopping.
          If the child has been fed, changed and is rested
            then one adult takes the child out of the store to let him or her calm down.
          If one adult is shopping, then the trip ends until the screamer is under control.
            Leave the cart parked unobtrusely.
            Leave the store, calmly making clear that screaming children don't get to shop.

4) Never threaten something you aren't willing to carry out.
          Counting to three only works if something bad happens at '3.'
          Crazy threats are seen through by the child. They can figure out that you won't 'Spank them
            right here.'

5) What about spanking?
          I wouldn't try it in a store.
          Sometimes a child gets so worked up and out of control that a tap on the butt is needed.
          If '3' is a spanking, then end the trip, take the child to the car and do what must be done.

Kids don't instinctly know how to act while department store shopping. The large open spaces invite running. All the merchandise begs to be grabbed. Its up to a child's parents to teach kids how to behave in such spaces. Now if only I could get my oldest to speed it up while clothes shopping.

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