I agree that shopping is a great learning experience for kids. For example my youngest has Down syndrome and severe ADHD combined type. The trouble we see with taking her to the shop is that she wanders off, grabs items we don’t need, snatches items to hide them under her shirt or in her pocket and no idea of the value of money. So in her case it’s very important to practice going to the shop

Some shops like Woolworths, provide free fruit for the kids so that’s got to be a positive help to keep them happy. Other than the expected extra cost it does take a bit longer shopping with kids but they have to learn how it works and no better teacher than experience.

As a single parent, I’ve either g hot to go shopping with my son or try and do it while at daycare… which only works if I’m not working. So it is an educational piece for me and having kids fruit at the supermarket really helps! When I’m desperate he can have a yoghurt, so a snack really!

There are some days that depending on my particular mood I’ll easily add an extra $50 to my shopping list haha. Just the other day there was a massive clearance on Tefal pans, so $20×2 later and the budget was being pushed up that week. I’m sure it’ll be tricky when my kid can have food opinions

I’m sure that is the case, especially if it’s after school and they are hungry. Actually I’m probably guilty of buying extras when hungry. Still it is good for them to experience the way we buy food instead of it being a restaurant where it just appears. Perhaps writing a list and sticking to it can save that extra expense.

My youngest has Down syndrome and severe ADHD and going to the shop with her is very challenging. She chucks things in the trolley I don’t want to buy and chucks items in the trolley of other clients too. She regularly grabs items and put them in her pocket or runs away through the isles. I do believe that avoiding to go to the shop wit her doesn’t help. Instead I take her to the shops for small and frequent visits to practice these skills. A shopping list helps 🙂

I really dont think this happened with me because I always had to stick to a budget. I never had extra money for anything that wasnt on the list and my kids knew not to ask for things because the answer would be no. They didnt even bother asking for things

Shopping with husband adds to the bill too

This is why we click and collect. We are only buying what we need.

I have to agree with this, everytime take my child to the shops, i always spend more money that i want to. I have now started doing online deliveries and click and collects where possible.

I prefer to shop on my own. It’s faster and less stressful.

I definitely can relate to this! Extra items always make their way into my shopping trolley and basket on school holidays

I’m definitely seeing this these holidays!

I can easily believe this.

I feel like my husband adds a lot more $$ to the cost than my children do. They’re pretty good if they’re told no, he just throws things in without checking!

I have to say I enjoy shopping without kids because I can take the time I need to read labels and don’t have to rush around the supermarket.

I always take my kids shopping with me.
there’s so much kids can learn
it’s one of the best life long lessons I can teach them.
How to manage money and how to shop for a healthy lifestyle

My kids would come shopping, esp. as old to help out and could grab a treat for helping and always knew to choose one of special as a thanks for helping. They knew we were shopping from the list as I had meal planned.

Oh costs $50 and an extra 30-60 mins.

I have always preferred to shop alone so I can just get what I need and move on quickly.