by Kathleen Richardson

Created on: December 23, 2008   Last Updated: April 20, 2009

For the intrepid parent or grandparent who dares to brave shopping with a child in hand, it's important to plan ahead, keeping in mind that each trips need to be tailored to age and personality.

Before venturing out into the shopping arena, pack the diaper bag, fill backpacks with snacks, books and toys for each older child, and review the following five tips for surviving - and perhaps actually enjoying - a trip to the store with children.

1. No child is too young to learn shopping etiquette. Children too often hear what they shouldn't do without any clear explanation of what they are expected to do, so let them know in positive terms how people act in stores and malls.

Once in the store, a misbehaving child can be stopped and an explanation given: "Look at the other people in this store. Do you see any of them running?" If this doesn't work, engage the attention of a store employee and ask, in front of the child, if running is permitted in the store.

Clear, positive explanations and directions are less apt to release the rebellious tendencies of any child.

2. Change diapers and schedule bathroom visits immediately before shopping and as often as possible during a shopping trip. Asking, "Do you need to go to the bathroom?" will result in most children saying "No," when in reality they mean, "Yes," or will within the next five minutes. Potty breaks are like trying new foods in that children need to be trained to try (the food or the bathroom) when the opportunity is presented to them.

3. Carry sugar-free beverages (water is the best choice for children over one year of age) and nutritious snacks on every shopping trip, even the five-minute hop to the convenience store. Every child, from a nursing babe to a middle-school child, will declare her or his near-starvation from store to store, aisle to aisle.

Because shopping, with or without a child, is also challenging work for adults, pack nutritious snacks and plenty of water for yourself.

4. A large store or even a small part of it can be intimidating and lead to frustration. A frustrated child is one who is more apt to get into mischief. The image of your little Godzilla emptying shelves or your usually timid preschooler wandering out of sight is enough to make you give up shopping or at least leave them at home.

By engaging your child, even the smallest toddler, in choices, you'll keep their focus on you and better manage the situation. Establishing the habit of clearly defined choices will take the pressure off both

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