Tots Around Town- The Grocery Store

It’s something everyone does in their lifetime, often more than they wish or is that just me?  In fact, one could consider it work a skill. Yeah, a skill.  It’s grocery shopping, but to a tot it can be a fresh and exciting new experience. 

To make this field trip enjoyable to your little one, take them out of the cart and put the list in their hand. 

I created a short picture list with 6 items for Lil’man. I just located images of the products we purchase through a Google image search.  Lil’man was very excited to get his very own list.

(Can you guess what snack we will be having on our next family night?  No, its not the fish sticks.)

Once we got to the store, I gave the boy a marker and off we went.

It was our first time in this grocery store, so my husband and I were both lost. But that didn’t faze Lil’Man he was focused on the task at hand.

At the top of the list was a staple–bread. He smashed snagged it with confidence when he recognized the packaging. Then he reached for the marker cap so he could cross it off the list.

Our favorite item on the list was of course “rainbows” or as we like to refer to them Jumbo Jet-Puffed marshmallows.  I must say I was impressed with the guess from our little rookie grocery shopper. Just look at the packaging. He said it with such confidence.  And personally, I think buying rainbows sound so much better.

He was very proud each time he found an item.  And even more excited to “check” it off the list.

Surprisingly, most of the items were with in his reach, except for the yogurt. I held the basket while my husband helped with the list. I’d say this is the most fun Lil’Man has ever had grocery shopping. He’s been on many grocery runs before, but this is the first time he had responsibilities.

So, for this unit make the ordinary into something extraordinary for your tot and watch them light up with excitement!  Have fun shopping!

Things to Keep in Mind

• Don’t make this your weekly grocery run.
• Keep your list short.
• Choose items that are familiar to your child.
• You may have to lead them through the isle, but let them discover the item.
• Allow plenty of time, so the experience isn’t rushed.
• Above all have fun.