Gone are the days when you could quickly duck to the shops for some bread and milk. Going grocery shopping with a child can be a daunting task, especially if your child is prone to meltdowns or sensory overload, what with the bright lights, loud noises, and overwhelming amount of stimuli.
But don’t stress: there are ways to make the experience more manageable for both you and your child. Here are our best tips on how to deal with meltdowns at the grocery store (and save your sanity!)
Prepare in advance: Before heading to the store, make sure your child is well-rested and fed. There’s nothing worse than a hangry kid wailing in aisle nine 😬 Bring along some of their favorite snacks or portable toys to keep them occupied – we love this foldable Montessori busy board or fidget spinners to keep their fingers busy. If your child has sensory processing issues, consider using noise-cancelling headphones or sunglasses to help them cope with the noise and bright lights.
Create a shopping list: Kids love being involved and having a job to do – and a shopping list can help keep your child on task and focused on the shopping trip. Allow your child to help you create the list, and encourage them to check off items as they are added to the cart.
Stay calm: If your child does have a meltdown, stay calm and try to diffuse the situation. Use a soothing tone of voice and provide comfort as needed. If your child is having a particularly difficult time, consider leaving the store and returning at a later time when your child is feeling more relaxed (and don’t feel bad if you just want to get them delivered instead!)
Consider noise-cancelling headphones: As we mentioned earlier, noise-cancelling headphones can be a great tool for helping your child cope with the noise and sensory input at the grocery store. They can help to block out the overwhelming noise and allow your child to focus on the task at hand. But make sure you go for high-quality, super-comfortable foam ones, otherwise they can cause issues in itself!
We’re not going to lie. Meltdowns at the grocery store can be difficult to deal with, but there are ways to make the experience more manageable. By preparing in advance, setting expectations, taking breaks, and staying calm, you can help your child cope with the overwhelming stimuli. Good luck – you’ve got this!
