Today I took my daughters (ages 2 and 3.5) to the convenience store to pick up lunch. They were running up and down the aisles, taking things off the shelves, and pretty much embarrassing me. They are otherwise very well-behaved kids. I don’t want to be one of those moms who yells and screams at her kids in public. What do I do? What have you guys done that’s worked?
I didn’t exactly have a “free hand” in this situation.
#1 by Billy Jean (who caused a scene) on January 12th, 2011
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They were excited because there is so much to consume in a store. Just tell them “no” and talk to the older one before you enter the store. The younger one might imitate her sister’s good behavior if you can get her big sister to cooperate with you.
#2 by Faith on January 12th, 2011
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Don’t worry about being embarrassed it is a hard task for anyone to visit a store with two toddlers.I have one child who is older and never wants to lose sight of me and a 3 year old who will charge off and the only thing I have found to work is to engage their attention.I even drew a map of the shop once a very basic one and we talked about what was on each aisle and who would find what and put what in the shopping trolley.Another time we made up silly stories the important thing is to keep chatting to them and make the trip enjoyable if they start to run off leave the store and remind them how much fun it is when they stay near you and that they have important tasks to help you but if they run off and pull things from the shelves then they have to leave.
#3 by YOUR GAS BAG is leaking ! on January 13th, 2011
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…the ONLY reason “they” are wantonly running up and down the aisles is because YOU allowed it ! when you turn “them” loose in a new and exciting environment what do you expect to happen…? You have two young children…? You have two hands…? HOLD on to them ! (and) when you need a free hand to make your purchases, you TELL the 3.5 yr old… stand still, stay right where you are and wait a second… You don’t have to yell and scream… you have to set boundaries and enforce them… Home is a great place to start !
#4 by Natasha S on January 13th, 2011
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Seriously why do care what people think your a mom dont let your kids walk over you no matter the location.
#5 by Mom to 3 under 7 on January 13th, 2011
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Practice store behavior at home. Make it a fun game. We’ve done this with all kinds of behaviors — what to do when another child hits you or snatches your toy, how to act in a restaurant, how to behave at a birthday party, what will happen at a doctor/dentist appointment, etc. You can either use dolls to act out the scene or just pretend yourselves.
Before you go into a store (or any public place), remind them what’s expected of them. Right before getting out of the van (or as I was looking for a parking spot), I used to say to my kids, “How do we act in the store? Do we run away from Mom?” (And they’d holler, “Nooo!”) I’d say, “That’s right. You have to stay close to me. Do we yell and scream and throw fits in stores?” (Again with the “Noooo!” response.) You get the idea.
If they do start to act up in the store, remind them immediately what’s expected of them. And instead of saying, “Don’t run away from me!”, tell them what they should do — “Please stand right here with Mommy.” Kids are more apt to listen if you use phrases like “Walk please” or “Use your walking feet” instead of “Don’t run!” If they can’t stay with you, there may have to be a consequence, such as having to ride in the shopping cart or not getting to pick up lunch there for a while.
If you’re stuck waiting in a long line, sing a song or play a mini-game of Simon Says. I’ve asked my kids to do things like hop up and down 10 times on the blue tile or look around to find a specific holiday display. Try to read the letters, numbers, and/or words on the signs around you, or identify colors and shapes. Count how many lights there are on the ceiling or how many people are in line in front of you. People might look at you funny if you’re doing something silly, but at least they’re not glaring at you.
As much as possible, make sure that your kids aren’t too hungry, thirsty, or tired when you enter a store or any public place. Going somewhere with a sleepy, cranky child is just asking for trouble.
Include your child in the process as much as possible. Explain exactly what will happen (i.e., we’re going to buy lunch and then we’ll take it home and eat it). Let your child help you find things (“Do you see the bananas anywhere?”) or make a choice (“Which flavor of yogurt do you want to get today?”).
My kids are now 2 1/2 (boy), 5 (girl), and 6 1/2 (girl), so at one point, I had three children under the age of 5. Also, my girls are 17 months apart, so I was exactly where you are now about 3 years ago. It has taken some practice, but I’ve been generally happy with how my kids have behaved in public. Not that we haven’t had our difficult moments (everyone does), but I’ve tried to stay calm and consistent and keep them aware of my expectations.
Good luck to you!
#6 by br33zy b@by on January 13th, 2011
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my mom use to say
“just wait till we get home”
then she use to beat my tail
when i got out the tub and i had started to dry off
she whooped me while i was wet so i would feel the
sting
#7 by beemom on January 13th, 2011
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call them by their names and when they are close to you talk to them, explain them that is not safe to run in the store and that they can get in trouble if they break something in the store. Even you can promise something if they behave like go to the park or a surprise yummy food for dinner (just keep your promise) and thank them for their good behavior. Children are very smart and they understand more that we think at that age. Good Luck.