Parenting Tip #7 Help through the Grocery Store for the Frantic Mom and Toddler!

Grocery shopping can be difficult, it takes time and money. Tying to find the best foods for your family is hard enough on its own, try doing all this with a toddler or two and you really have your hands full! Many parents avoid any lengthy shopping, saving those trips for time when they can go alone. It doesn't have to be that way, try these tip! It will get you through the store without stress, or a tantrum!

~ Make sure to have a grocery list made ahead of time. It can be difficult to think when you are managing toddlers and their spirit in the store. By having a list, it will decrease your stress, you have a reference to keep your shopping trip organized and moving.

~ When making your list, take out a piece of construction paper for your toddler. Cut out pictures of things that you are purchasing on your trip and glue them on the paper. Choose things that are age appropriate, if your toddler is small stick with bananas and milk. If a little older, give them a challenge. Think about putting a certain type of cereal on their list. Keep their lists to about 10 items. This may take a little extra time, but the benefits will definitely outweigh the time spent.

Now when you go to the store, your toddler has a game to play. Give them a crayon and tell them they are in charge of finding everything on the list. If you have more than one, then you will have a little competitive match going! While they are playing I Spy, you can concentrate the task at hand!