How do i keep an eight year old entertained while shopping?

Question

He really hates to go, but everyone else wants to. We all told him if he was good we would play games with. He agreed... but what do we play?

Answer 1

Hey Paige:

Going to the store isn't for hanging out or playing games.  It's to consciously choose and buy things that you need.  

Give everyone an assignment of specific things you need to buy. We always go with a list. We don't buy anything NOT on the list.

The object is to find the best food at the lowest price, and the most nutrients.

They have to read the labels, calculate how many portions they can get out of a package, and if it fits the requirement for how many times the product will be needed in lunches or dinner preparations, then it goes in the basket.  My son became my "sharp shopper" this way.  He can always spot a bargain, and even does it for his roommates now.  

Don't be "brand whipped".  Just because it's a big name brand, doesn't make it any better, and sometimes those products actually short you on product for a higher price.  

Eight is not too young to learn how to control your spending.  You've got a good start on being a great example, if you're having them participate when you shop.  Good for you!

Shop on!!

Answer 2

I don't agree with the first person to answer I think maybe hand held games like I have games like yahtzee because having him like by himself in a supermarket can be dangerous...but it depends on what you wanna do...

Answer 3

Don't bribe him. If you do that he will get worse and worse. You have to shop not play games. He should have a little sticker chart and when ever he does good in the shop give him a little sticker on the chart. But if hes bad take off one sticker. Once he has a full chart give him a little prize.

Answer 4

You play the games HE wants to play.  

Answer 5

What kind of shopping-food, clothing, furniture? A lot depends on this.

If it's food shopping go to the bakery and ask for a free cookie. Most have a kids cookie club and if not will give your child a free cookie if they want.

In general kids hate to shop except for toys for themselves. I suppose you could offer an inexpensive toy for a dollar if you feel he needs incentive or a promise of something special afterwards that he likes to do.

I'd try to find something else for him to do, maybe a play date with a friend and you could in turn watch the other child when his mom wants to shop.

It just isn't fun for a kid to shop unless they are buying things. Unless it is necessity shopping and you have no choice I'd suggest finding somewhere else for him to be.

Answer 6

lock it in the car with no windows up becuz we dont want the car to be cold....take your time in the store and make sure your kid has no air to breath

Answer 7

a calcuator and teach him to add everything up you bought and if he guesses it within 20$ you take him out for pizza or something special

He'll miss things or be great at it and you can teach him how to do tax...

Answer 8

I wouldn't play games with him. You're there to shop,not to play.

Instead, you should give him part of the list and see if he can find the items you have marked (which hones reading skills) and find the least expensive brand of each item, which will teach him to bargain hunt.

Test his math skills by having him round up/down prices and add them up in his head (or on paper if he's not that far yet).

You could "race" to find everything on the list (bring a timer).