Kids and grocery stores can be an explosive combination - anyone with young children understands the realities of trying to accomplish grocery shopping with a young family in tow. However, with a little bit of prep and determination, you can make grocery shopping with your children a pleasant experience, one that doesn't leave your children (or you) drained and cranky.

Make Sure You Are Prepared Beforehand

Grocery shopping doesn’t have to be a struggle when you are organized and put a little prep work in. If your kids are young enough they need to be in a stroller, get an iCandy baby stroller and make sure that they are comfortable. When your young child is cozy and relaxed, there’s a good chance that he or she will fall asleep. Making sure that you are ready for whatever mood your youngster might be in can go a long way in making shopping enjoyable rather than stressful.

Make Sure the Kids Aren’t Hungry

A hungry kid is a force to be reckoned with, so make sure that before you venture out on a shopping trip your children are fed a snack or a meal so that they are less likely to be cranky. Hunger makes us all more easily frustrated, so giving your kids a snack beforehand can do wonders for your shopping excursions.

Keep the Kids Engaged

Most of the time, your kids want to help. If you find small tasks for them to do, whether it’s holding a shopping list or (if he or she is old enough) helping you place an item in the cart. They will feel important because you trust them to help you with your errands, and their efforts, however small, can actually help you get your tasks done.

Make It Something Your Children Look Forward To

Now, that's not to say that you have to reward them with a toy or something every time you go grocery shopping, but giving them something to look forward to, whether it's choosing their favourite fruits or picking out a special treat for good behaviour can be extremely motivating for an older toddler.

Realize That Everyone With Young Kids Has Been In Your Shoes

When you have a fussy child or multiple kids pulling you every which way, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed or that you are an insufficient parent, but everyone with young kids has been there. No one who knows anything about raising children is judging you. If you have a crying child despite your best efforts, that doesn't make you a lesser parent. You will adapt and learn what works best for your children and your situation. So, take courage - you’ve got this.

Making Grocery Shopping With Kids an Enjoyable Experience

Everyone’s parenting style is different, but with a little thought beforehand, you can have an enjoyable and productive time running errands with your young kids. While you may not be able to erase all stress involved when you go shopping with young children, you can make it a more pleasant experience for both you and your kids.