Tips for going shopping with your toddler

Children can get bored sitting in a trolley. Especially once they’ve started walking. So if you’ve got a bit of time, and its not too busy, why not let them walk about so they feel like they have a bit more freedom?

Cut out some pictures of everyday food from a magazine and then ask your wee one to help you find them while you go round the shop.

Pointing things out together down the aisle or by the checkout can lead to fewer tantrums.

“If your child is screaming, other parents stare at you and it can be very stressful and really embarrassing. But when I know my child’s not coming to any harm, I think, ‘Who cares? Your child went through it too."

Suzanne, mum to Callum, 9, Kieran, 5, and Rachael, 2.

Toddlers are more likely to have tantrums when they’re bored. To stop this happening, you can try asking your child for their help picking out a few things you need around the shops. Something as simple as asking them to choose between two cereals can help them to feel more involved.

Try talking to your child before you go to the shops and tell them what you’re looking for. You can tell them that you’re going to buy milk, eggs and bread, and then tick them off together when walking around the supermarket.

Create a star chart at home for good behaviour. Tell your child that if they are good when you are out shopping, they will get a star!

When you’re out and about, don’t forget to give your toddler a smile, or some words of encouragement when they’re behaving well. This can help to make them feel happy and hold off those tantrum feelings.

Playing daft games is a great way to keep your child entertained when out at the supermarket. Playing games like "silly sausage" where you ask lots of questions and they answer each one with "silly sausage" could keep your child busy and help avoid tantrums.