I never made it a habit to make unintended purchases just because I take the kids to the shop. A shopping list can help and making a separate shopping list for each child -so they’re involved- gives them the feeling of importance.

I take bubs on the smaller grocery shops, as I can walk him in the pram and we buy just the few things we need. Bigger shops I do on my own mostly as he’s a bit to wrangle with trolleys and bags etc

I never mind shopping with the kids. It’s the husband that makes things difficult. He is always trying to hurry me along and then I forget to get things.

My boys always used to come shopping with me and it wouldn’t cost me any more. I made sure to go shopping the day they got their pocket money. That way they could buy what they wanted. They learnt from it that if they saved their money they’d be able to save for something bigger. It worked for us.

Geez… $50 average is a lot. What are parents buying their children whilse shopping? I always take my 4yo with me, occasionally my 9yo if he has no school. I never bribe them but reward them. They help me shop, get items, push the trolley. They always get an 80cent yoghurt, rarely a $1.50 yogo custard. I always allow the treat in my shopping budget.
The only time I see more money spent on shopping is if my fiancè comes along. He always grab things we don’t need or extra snacks. So I refuse to take him shopping with us. Easily, he can add extra $50 in 1 shop.

I used to shop on Fridays during the day whilst my son was at school. But yes, I agree, on any occasion he came with me the shopping was definitely more expensive. Happens now when hubby comes shopping with me!

I do my shopping online so that I know exactly what I’m spending.

I usually have them when I pop in before school, but I don’t really let them add things in.

I take them with me now and then but i give them few snack options to chose from and each child gets only one. They help me at the counter while i hold bub so its not that bad.

I always took mine with me and going shopping was the treat, not buying them something they had seen in the shop.

Your not wrong there, all the good things for kids are out at their eye height. Also takes an extra 50 years off your life in stress

I tended to leave them at home when they were younger, but now they’re a bit older there’s less pestering and I think they do learn from it.

It’s known as ‘Pester Power’ in advertising

It definitely costs more taking my child shopping so I try not too these days

I find it more expensive taking the husband, so I leave them all at home, lol, shopping is ‘my time’.

Yikes. I find it more expensive when I take the big kid (husband) along!

I have a 2year old and a 1 year old and I definitely purchase a few extra items when they’re with me. Not because they’ve asked but it just seems to happen. So I can see how it can become more of an expense the older they get when they shop with you. Shopping online is great for this reason

I think everybody knows this but sometimes you just have t take them. Get them to help find the items from the list and warn them ahead that there are no extras.

I shop with my kids most of the time and don’t really notice any difference. Give them a piece of fruit or another snack and keep them occupied always helps.

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  • • mom93821 replied
    • 07 Feb 2023 , 6:48 am

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  I agree, a full stomach before shopping does help with any requests for food and drink.

During school terms I shop on my own. During the holidays I bring my youngest who has Down syndrome. Yes I use it as a learning experience and no I stick to what I need and don’t resort to bribery