YOUR shopping buggy is full and the list has every single item ticked off.
You are ready to head to the checkout. The weekly shopping is almost over. And six-year-old Eldon has been a pleasure to spend this time with. He stayed nearby, he helped take packages off the shelf and put them in the buggy and he didn't bug you once for treats.
But now you have to run the gamut of every treat you can ever imagine and they're all right at eye level for a six-year-old.
Go into any grocery store and you can count on the fact that there will be candy and gum on all the shelves right down to the floor. And yes, it's designed to be accessible for kids. To make matters worse, you are standing still waiting for your turn. How can you help Eldon counter all this temptation?
Let's acknowledge that this is not fair. Eldon has behaved beautifully through the entire shopping expedition and now he's subjected to all this candy and gum right where he could easily reach it.
I believe all parents should join forces and ask the stores to change their policy and keep the candy on the regular shelves where you can keep moving, avoid the aisle all together or more easily distract your child. If a store complies, then encourage all parents to shop there.
Meanwhile, you are in this lineup. What can you do?
Have your child help prepare the shopping list so he knows what you are buying and if he can choose one treat, plan that ahead of time. When you are making the list, talk about his favourite meals and discuss what foods you need to buy so you can cook that.
While you are shopping, involve him in choosing which cereal (from your accepted list) or canned vegetable you're going to purchase.
Tell him what you will be preparing from the products you are buying. The chocolate chips will become cookies and not only can he eat a cookie when they are baked, he can help prepare them.
Discuss what's going to happen at the checkout. It's useless to simply hope he doesn't notice all the goodies. Let him know that you will not be purchasing anything from the shelves by the checkout. And stick to that. When he asks for just one little candy bar you can remind him that you talked about this before you left home and the answer is no.
If he asks a second time, try to just fix him with a steely glare and say nothing. He will get the message.
You could allow him to bring his allowance and if he wishes he can buy something with his own money.
Bring a toy or game for him to play while you are waiting. This is a great time for him to play a game on your smart phone or bring along his Game Boy.
Or you can play a game with him. Try a round of "I Spy." It's a great place for a game like that because there are lots of shapes and colours to see. Mind you, if that will simply get him more focused on the candy, it's not such a good idea.
Or just have a conversation. Talk about what he's going to do when he gets home or ask him about his favourite book, video game or TV program. If he's focused on a conversation with you, he will be less likely to be distracted by what's happening around him.
Kathy Lynn is a parenting expert who is a professional speaker and author of Who's In Charge Anyway? and But Nobody Told Me I'd Ever Have to Leave Home. If you want to read more, sign up for her informational newsletter at www.parentingtoday. ca group.
