Shopping with Kids at Christmas

Remember when you could do your Christmas shopping quickly and easily, by yourself? Those were the days before you had a family and young children. These days, with your little ones, you have to prepare for hours just to make it to the mall and back, in one piece. You can't go quickly, that's for sure. Every change of venue means bathroom trips and car-seats and diaper changes. And you can only shop during peak hours-no more midnight mall runs, even when the mall's open until midnight-because, once the sun goes down, tiny bodies start to shut down for the day. Life as a parent, even at Christmastime, is all about someone else's sleeping and eating habits, and never about yours. But you can make the season a little less painful, by taking care to think ahead, just a bit. Before you embark, make sure your kids understand exactly what the journey is about. Let them know what gifts you are shopping for, and for whom. This will help them realize that there's a goal to be met. Make your shopping trip a shopping trip for your kids, too. Use it as an opportunity for your children to pick out those special little gifts they may want to get for their friends, or for grandma. This will keep them involved and interested in the excursion. Shop somewhere that has a Santa Claus, ready to listen to your kids' Christmas wishes. Most malls, during the holidays, have a Santa on call during all business hours, and very few children will pass up the chance to sit on his lap. Take along something to eat. When children get hungry, as they do, often, they get cranky. Snacking will help them stay alert and engaged. Many shopping centers and malls have childrens' play areas, and some have drop-off services with certified care-givers. Other parents can be a good resource to discover which are the best, in your town. Plan and discuss a reward for your kids, if they behave while you shop. Then, if they're unruly, avoid public discipline, follow through with your plan, and withold the reward. As a parent of small children, you know that no trip with them is easy. But Christmas shopping with your kids doesn't have to be torture, as long as you plan ahead.