When will my kids grow out of touching everything?

Question

ok so my kids are 5 and are going to be 6 in 2 months (twins) and it doesnt matter where we go they have to touch everything. i will even discuss it before we go into someones place or even a grocery store and i will tell them "ok before we go in there you will not touch anything" and they both agree that they will behave but when we actually go into the store or house the first thing they do it grab or touch something.... my question is: will they ever grow out of it? and is there any helpful hints that will help me teach them not to touch everything? and another thing is this normal for a 5 yr old to do? thank you....

Answer 1

They absolutely will grow out of it.  I have three children, so thank goodness I don't have to wrangle two of them at the same stage at any one time.

This is what works for us.  I tell them my expectations before we go it (I make them look at me and acknowledge that they hear it.)  Then I give them the benefit of the doubt.  If/when they touch something, the consequence is that they have to hold on to the cart with one hand.  If they do it again, the free hand goes into their pocket.  

I do agree that giving the kids jobs *does* help to ease their desire to touch the pretty packages.  After all, the packaging is designed to draw their attention -- look at all the characters in the cereal aisle!  But, if you set an expectation and reasonable consequences and are consistent about it, you can help them start to regulate their urge to touch.

I always try to give them some praise for an excellent job in the store as well -- as a reward for those times they do well.  Eventually, they get the picture.  :)

Good luck with it!  

Answer 2

i babysit a 6yr old and 4 yr old....the 6yr old used to be like that. but for only a short period of time

i would try when you go shopping let them be in charge of one item. let them hold it while in the store so they are occupied with it and not anything else. making them feel helpful is key to them not grabbing everything in sight.

if that doesnt work dont let them come with you, or make them sit in the cart until they learn that they cant grab everything

Answer 3

I have the same problem with my 8 year old son I always tell him to look with your eyes not with your hands but it makes no difference he has to touch everything he sees. The only explanation he can give me is he has to touch it to understand what he is seeing. I just hopes he grows out of it before he breaks something