Going out with the children can be daunting, especially if it is your first venture out since entering parenthood. There are some things it can be useful to remember when going to the supermarket or mall with the children, both for safety and to make your life easier.
Monitor the Weather
You may want to alter the days that you go out to do shopping depending on what the weather forecast looks like. Taking young children out to the shops can be difficult enough, without having to deal with heavy downpours too, especially if you do not have your own vehicle.
Additionally, stores can be more hazardous in wet weather, with wet floors leading to slips and falls. Stores should keep adequate signage to hand regarding this, however, that is not always the case and accidents do happen – click the link for more info from a Personal Injury Lawyer (from Chicago). So, you may wish to avoid taking your children out in these times, in favour of those where the weather will not be on the list of your struggles for that day.
Teach Safety
If your child becomes lost while you are out, you need to make sure they know what to do. For younger children, this can involve teaching them their name and your proper name, as well as how to recognize cops or security guards. As children get older, you can also advise them to look out for people in uniform who can help, or even teach them your cell phone number. Children who have their own cell phone, which is approximately 53% of children by the age of 11, can also be taught to contact you in the event that you are separated.
If your child does get lost, it is important that you speak to a member of staff where the incident happened immediately, as they will be able to put a message across the store to keep an eye out for your child.
Likewise, it is also important to recognize that your child may be panicked and frightened, and therefore unable to remember these teachings, so may require reassurance when found.
Use it as a Learning Opportunity
Children may be intrigued by shopping, ask to help, or even ask to pay, especially if they have their allowance with them. It is possible, even with young children, to use your shopping trip as a means of teaching them about money, which can be useful as they grow up. Learning the value and cost of items, as well as how to budget, are important life lessons that all children will use in adulthood.
Going to the stores with your children might still be a challenge but, by using the above tips, you may be able to make it easier and safer for both you and your children. Adding life lessons into the mix means that you will come away not only with your chosen items, but also knowing that you have further helped your children with life skills.
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