Timeout with Nanny Robina: Misbehaving at the Grocery Store

My six-year-old son can be counted on to misbehave whenever we’re at the grocery store. I’m a working mom with limited time so I have to take him with me. What other option is there?

Involve your son in the shopping. Let him help you prepare the shopping list by drawing pictures of the things he can pick out for you, such as apples and canned goods. Allow him to pick things off the lower shelves for you. Chat with him, take a snack and perhaps a toy. Here’s a fun guessing game that kids love: ask him to close his eyes and smell a piece of fruit or a vegetable and then guess what you’re holding. Since your time is limited, map out the store in your mind and plan the most efficient route.


Published March 2010