We’ve all been there, when our wee one decides to have a tantrum when we’re in the middle of shopping. It‘s stressful for you and makes going to the supermarket such hard work.
You’ve probably tried a lot of things already, but our list of tried and tested tips from other parents will hopefully give you plenty of good ideas for dealing with tantrums.
Top tips for taking your toddler to the shops
Tip #1: Walking around
Tip #1: Walking around
Photo of toddler shopping
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?
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Tip #2: Fun shopping
Tip #2: Fun shopping
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.
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Tip #3: Point things out
Tip #3: Point things out
Photo of toddler shopping
Pointing things out together down the aisle or by the checkout can lead to fewer tantrums.
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Tip #4: Don't worry
Tip #4: Don't worry
“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.
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Tip #5: Ask for their help
Tip #5: Ask for their help
Photo of toddler shopping with dad
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.
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Tip #6: Let them know
Tip #6: Let them know
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.
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Tip #7: Rewards
Tip #7: Rewards
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!
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Tip #8: Be positive
Tip #8: Be positive
Photo of toddler and father having fun
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.
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Tip #9: Silly Sausages
Tip #9: Silly Sausages
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.
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What the professionals say
“Shopping with your child can sometimes be difficult. Your toddler throws a tantrum in the supermarket and you don’t know what to do. No-one knows your child better than you, so you’re in the best position to be able to spot what leads to a tantrum and either stop it from happening or deal with it effectively. But don’t worry when they do happen. Tantrums are just your toddler’s frustrations bubbling over. They can be difficult for them to deal with on their own and hugely frustrating for mums and dads too. Look out for and try to avoid common triggers like your toddler being tired, hungry, or too hot or cold.”
Carol Ramsay, Family Nurse Supervisor, NHS Tayside Family Nurse Partnership (FNP)
More information
Our Help and advice page has lots of different places to look for support. You can talk to your Health Visitor or Family Nurse about your child’s behaviour and how you are dealing with it.
For other tried and tested help with tantrums, you can also check out Ready Steady Toddler for lots more suggestions and tips.
Being a parent is the best job in the world, but it can also be one of the most stressful. There will be days when it all feels a little too much. To help you manage the challenges ahead, Parent Club has some tips on coping with being a parent and keeping calm with your wee one so you can build a rewarding relationship together.
Animation of cartoon character frustration meter
