Work at Home Success By Jill Hart
Mom Laughs By Cheryl Moeller
Simplifying Motherhood By Trish Berg
Ask A Twin Mommy By Cheryl Lage
Mothering By Heart By Cheri Fuller
Jelly Mom By Lisa Barker
Family Check-up By Sheila Wray Gregoire
Parent to Parent By Jodie Lynn
Moments for Mom By Elisabeth Corcoran
Making the Most of Marriage By Paula Friedrichsen
Kids, Whining and Grocery Stores
By Jodie Lynn
www.ParentToParent.com
Mom, can I push the cart?" "Can I do it this week mom -- you PROMISED!" "It's my turn -- nooooooooooooo...MOM!!!!!!!!!"
With everyone's eyes glaring at you, you know THOSE eyes from the other 92 grocery store customers, (yeah, those eyes) -- you feel like disappearing.
Does this scenario sound and feel familiar? Well, if it does, it's only just the beginning -- really, right as you step inside the door this fiasco begins. Right?
Here are a few doable tips that might work for your crew:
- Tell them what behavior you expect and the consequences if they don't.
- Follow through on the consequences.
- If they begin to cry or throw a fit, leave the store and come home with nothing.
- Help them make a wish list and they can bring it into the store.
- Make your own list.
- Tell them you are going to buy only what is on your list because they are the things you need to make meals.
- Tell them you will buy one thing off of their wish list if their behavior is acceptable but do not use the word "promise."
- Don't give into whining.
- Let them help to add things to the cart.
- Make it a fun time by asking them to find an item -- this also helps them to learn to read.
- If they are old enough, let them bring a hand held calculator and add up the items -- this teaches math skills as well as responsibilities.
- Go early in the morning or late in the evening when crowds are smaller and you can spend a little more time asking and answering questions.
- If you are in a rush, leave them at home with dad, baby-sitter or friend.
 |
 |
Remember, all moms are working moms and are the real CEOs in life. Check out my new Mommy,CEO totes, cups and T-shirts on the ParentToParent.com website and order yours today. They are beautiful, practical and washable. Come on moms -- tell and show the world who you are!
© Jodie Lynn, 2003-
Jodie Lynn is an award-winning internationally syndicated family/health columnist and radio personality. Her syndicated column Parent to Parent has been successful for over 10 years and appears in newspapers, magazines, newsletters and throughout the Internet. She is a regular contributor to several sites including eDiets.com, KeepKidsHealthy.com, ClubMom.com, BabyUniverse.com, CatholicMom.com, MainStreetMom.com and MommiesMagazine.com. Lynn has written four books and contributed to three others, one of which was on Oprah and has appeared on NBC in a three month parenting segment. Her latest books are Mom CEO (Chief Everything Officer) - Having, Doing and Surviving It All! (June 2006) and Syndication Secrets - What No One Will Tell You! (March 2006).
Please visit www.ParentToParent.com for details on her new radio talk show, Inside Parenting Success.