How Do You Get the Kids to Behave in the Store?

maybe this well work I did it with my 4 kids it took a few times but now they behave when we shop I well ask them all to
be good before we even get to the store,then while parking i would tell them the things we need to get and have them each pick something they well look for on our list,then I would tell them if they do a good job they can get 1 thing very small/cheap{mind you there were times we were in the middle of shopping and they all started acting up ,so I would just tell them lets go and we would leave the store and no one got anything intell I could go by myself to the store}you can reward untell you feel they do not need it any more, my kids go shopping with me now and most of the time we only get the things on the list with no acting up but it did take a few trys brfore we got to this point.........hope this helps

I don't know if this is the best way, but it worked for my aunt! Her two boys fought and threw fit in the store every time, and like you, she got fed up with it! So, before they had a chance to misbehave the next time in the store, she threw herself on the floor and threw a fit, saying she didn't want to be the mom and she shouldn't have to with boys that don't listen! They were so embarrassed that they never misbehaved in the store again! I hope this helps! Good luck!

you've received some very good advice and i'm giggling over Carrie B.'s reply, ha ha. the image in my head is just too funny. i also agree with letting an employee know where you've abandoned your cart if you leave. i have a 7,3 and 1 year old, so i've not had to deal with a 13 year old yet. however, i don't let my kids have the satisfaction of me having to stop something that i'm doing just because of their behavior. the best thing my mother ever taught me growing up was to ignore behavior that was designed to get my goat. my 3 year old may act up every now and again in the store,but not often because he knows i will ignore him and his behavior (while still keeping him with me and safe,obviously). i realize that this doesn't work for everyone and you have to really not care what other ppl will think of you, in order for it to work. it must work for me though because even though they're not the best behaved when we're at home (they fight at home), they do behave in public 90% of the time and they know not to run around like a like little fools,like some ppl let their kids do (so annoying)..another thing is to spend a reasonable amount of time in the store (not too much) and always get the most important items on the list first..that way if you do have to cut your trip short, you've at least got some essentials. good luck to you! :)

I would ask them if they'd like to stay and shop and behave, or if they need to go home for a nap. Let them decide and if they choose to stay and continue to act up, go ahead and leave. But please, as a former grocery store manager I have to say, please let someone know that you've ditched your cart so the perishibles don't go bad. Often, since store employees have no idea how long somethings been sitting abandoned, they have to toss out perishibles that have been left out.

I had the same problem with my 3.5 year old and i wrote in here about it. honestly the best advice they gave me was to leave immediatly. Just grab the kids and walk out of wherever you are. take them halfway through the checkout line if you have to just walk out. I did this with mine it worked. I would get them in the car take them home and make them sit quietly for five minutes. Your 7 and 13 year old will immediatly get embarrased my 10 year old did it took a couple times for the little one to get it. but every time he started up with the fighting for the stupid truck cart or not staying in the stupid truck cart we just left. i have left carts full of groceries just sitting in the isle. Truly it does have some efffect. If you really need the stuff go back after they are sleeping and get what you need. My son had dry cereal one morning because they were a pain in the store so I had to leave and we didnt get the milk he needed. Gave him something to think about.

when my children and i go the store i let them pick out thier favorite snack and they get to carry it. when they misbehave they have to put thier snack back. they hate to do this since we only go to the store one a week they know that they won't have that snck till the next week. it works like a charm every time. my girls are 1,3,5. hope this helps.

Hi M.,

One reason your boys act up in the store is because they know you won't discipline them in the store. Be prepared to walk away from the cart and leave with your boys when they start to act up. You have to do it immediately...without reaching your breaking point. Once you are back in your car then calmly (raising your voice is only going to add fuel here)tell them why you left the store and dole out the punishment. My 13 year old loves the WWE so I take away his viewing priviledges. You have to stay firm and calm. Take away a favorite activity or object related to their age level. You might want to keep plenty of peanut butter and bread on hand to substitute for those meals you didn't get the supplies for when you walked away from your cart. They'll learn that Mom isn't going to take any nonsense. It worked with my son...I hope it works for you.

W. Q

Hi M.,

A few sugeestions that may work. When shopping, give the 13 year old a list of things to shop for, and tell the 7 year old that you need him to help you with the 3 year old, and that you will get them something special if they behave. The other idea...ask each what they would like to "earn" for good behavior. Give them that something based on a weekly basis. Always reward good behavior! Reinforce their positive behavior, by tellling them that they have made you proud today! If at all possible, make a date with each at least once a month, and take them somewhere for a treat.

I wish the best,
Gods blessings,
C.