6 Tips When Shopping with Kids at the Mall

Family time, as the old adage goes, is bonding time. Hanging out with your loved ones, no matter the location, can be the grounds for some truly great adventures. Your children specifically will have the opportunity to act carefree, so long as the setting permits it. For example, your nearest shopping mall will be a great environment to have some fun.

Sometimes, things can go awry, which may lead to your kids acting out. Don’t let this possibility dampen the mood. There are a few tips that you can utilize to solve that potential issue. With enough preparation done beforehand, any possible mishaps can be resolved without worry. 

When you are shopping at the mall with your kids, keep these tips in mind:

1. Choose the best time for your shopping adventure

Shopping at your kid’s favorite mall can be a fantastic way to hang out with your little ones. However, there are specific times of the year that can be much more stressful than others.

For instance, the holiday season can be quite the rush due to the sheer volume of people. 

Since it is the prime destination for shopping, you’ll want to choose the time of day when your family goes carefully. Try your best to avoid rush hour times, such as weekend afternoons.

Aim for times that are less frequented, such as the evenings or early mornings if possible. That way, you can keep things in an orderly fashion. 

2. Snacks and toys can pacify a kid throwing tantrum

Even when they are on their best behavior, kids can have short attention spans. One minor crisis and they may end up lashing out or crying on your shoulder with no end in sight.

To pre-emptively tackle this, bring your favorite backpack or purse with you and put some goodies in it. 

Should your children decide to have an unwarranted meltdown, there’s nothing a small treat can’t fix! The more items or goodies you bring, the better. By doing this, their attention will be occupied for the time being. 

3. Bring friends on your mall shopping trip

If your kids are already in school, why not allow them to bring a friend? If their parents want to come along for the trip too, this can be an incredibly great opportunity for socializing for all ages.

All children involved will be able to have fun in each store they visit. You will also be able to learn more about their friend’s parents too! 

4. Assign shopping tasks 

As mentioned previously, kids are generally not gifted with the best attention spans.

To get around this, it might be in your best interest to give them a task or two while at the mall. These tasks don’t have to be overly stressful. They can be small errands to do when shopping. 

5. Play games at the mall

When the time allows for it, your shopping mall excursions can be the basis of some great fun!

You can chase them around the mall by playing a small game of tag. Or you can play a game that encourages them to test their abilities, such as counting the tiles on the floor. 

6. Reward the kids for being good

Your children will always have great affection for you, no matter what location you end up visiting. As such, be sure to give them some gifts after your mall visits, such as their favorite candy or game.

Another enticing reward is cash. Give them a small amount of money and encourage them to spend on whatever they like.

You want your children to be involved with this shopping excursion as much as possible. Not only will this keep them engaged, but it will teach them how to spend their dollars properly! 

Do you have any tips for grocery shopping with a toddler and a baby?