For those of you who are parents and know about the philosophy of retail therapy, a degree of nostalgia might take over you. After all, there was once a time where shopping was utterly relaxing, and nothing would get in the way of that. Then, the kids arrived.
It was at this point that shopping changed forever. It went from stress-free, to the opposite. Of course, it can still be hugely rewarding – but only if you approach it in the right way.
This is what today’s post is going to be about. Unfortunately, it’s not going to be a step back in time and you’re not going to be shopping like you were in your pre-parenthood days. However, if you can take on board some of this advice, you and your little ones will have a much more enjoyable time the next time you hit Covent Garden or your shopping district of choice.
Set expectations from the outset
One of the worst things you can do as you approach your shopping trip is to expect things are going to be the same as if you were heading to the high-street on your own, or with your friends.
In short, it’s just not going to happen. If you can shift away from this mindset, it will do wonders for your mood on the day. After all, if you think that you are going to blitz the entire high-street in record speeds, you’re going to be left disappointed and frustrated. This is likely to reflect on the day itself and by the end of proceedings, things have all turned sour.
Make it a two-way day
As you now know, life isn’t just about you. It means that your shopping day needs to include your little one, as much as it needs to cater for your needs.
In other words, don’t just hit the fashion stores and stick to the adult clothing section. If you are going into clothes shops, have a look at the kids’ section as well. Better still, visit a few toy stores, or at least stores that will capture your child’s attention. It just means that the day becomes about both of you.
Make sure nobody runs low on energy
It doesn’t matter how old you are, one of the easiest ways to run into frustration on a shopping day is to run out of energy. If you’re hungry, your mood suffers – and so does that of children.
As such, you might bring along snacks, or just schedule a stop at a restaurant for lunch. Either way, make sure you account for food as this could prove to be your downfall.
Try and turn to rewards
Some kids will live their whole life based around rewards. We’re not going to get into this debate, it largely revolves around your approach to parenting.
However, when they are turning towards a shopping trip which they would perhaps not like doing, this is something that you need to take advantage of. It might be a stop for some food, or a stop at a playground along the way. Either way, pencil this into the itinerary so the full day isn’t completely dedicated to shopping.
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