As a father of seven, I’ve had my fair share of holiday shopping with kids.  It’s never an easy thing, but during the holidays it’s a lot more difficult.  This time of year, you need to be extra careful and pay extra close attention.  The stores are busy and you’re likely trying to manage extra baggage such as coats and shopping bags plus the kids.

Here are a few tips for staying safe when holiday shopping with kids and babies:

1. Use a cart or stroller whenever possible. Contained children are the easiest to manage.  A stroller also gives you a place to stash your purchases.

2. Supervise bathroom visits. It’s very easy to get separated or have a stranger approach your child in a busy public bathroom.

3. Select oversized fitting rooms and bring your children inside with you.

5. Malls and parking lots are extra busy and dangerous during the holidays. Be sure to hold your child’s hand in parking lots and watch out for drivers who are not looking for pedestrians.

6. Remind your children not talk to strangers.

7. Make sure your child knows they must not act in an ill-mannered way by knocking things off the shelves or breaking anything. Also discourage them from going under the clothing racks as it’s dangerous and easy to lose them.

8. Wear your baby in a carrier, if possible, as you will be hands-free while knowing your little one is in a safe place.

9. Dress your children up in identical and easily noticeable clothing, such as tie-dye or bright colored t-shirts. In the event that your little one runs off, you will be able to show the security guards exactly what outfit he or she is wearing by referencing your other child’s outfit. 

10. Put a sticker on each child’s shirt listing your name and cell phone number in the event you get separated.  Have an “action plan” in place for what they are supposed to do if you get separated such as going into a store and asking a salesperson for help, finding the courtesy counter, finding a security guard, etc.).

11. Establish these rules in a quiet place ahead of time, so that your child knows what is expected of him once you’re inside the busy stores.

12. Shopping is not a lot of fun for little ones.  If you’re asking for their cooperation and patience, offer up a small reward if they are good such as a hot chocolate afterwards or visiting Santa. 

Good luck & happy parenting!        

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 7, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel, and the DaddyScrubs blog where he covers topics about parenting all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post Tips for Safe Holiday Shopping with Kids appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

Generally speaking holiday shopping with kids is anything but pleasant and peaceful, but all parents know sometimes you’ve just got to bring them along. I’ve developed a few tips based on my years of experience as a daddy that are sure to help make holiday shopping with kids an enjoyable experience.

Involve Them: First things first, involve your child in gifting decisions by having them brainstorm a few things each different family member might like to receive for Christmas. This process will encourage your child to be thoughtful while also feeling included in the shopping spree you’re essentially dragging them along on. Your child will be excited to pick things out, and they’ll be thrilled to watch the excitement unfold on Christmas day – knowing they’re a part of the fun. In the past I’ve designated my children “Santa’s Little Helpers” – because Santa is just too busy and he needs a little help picking up a few goodies before Christmas.

Have Some Fun: Find ways to make shopping kid friendly. When you’re inside of a store you can play “Name that Tune” and your children can try and figure out what Christmas carol is playing on the loud speaker. Let your child have the final say on gifts for other people by allowing them to decide between two gifts (you’ve picked out) or deciding between two different colors, etc. Just get creative and don’t forget to smile and laugh; Holiday shopping should be a fun experience – not an overwhelming hassle.

Explain Rules Ahead of Time: You need to have some ground rules set in place prior to heading out to shop. Don’t go crazy, but make sure your child knows that the stores are going to be extra busy and that it’s extremely important they remain next to you, that they don’t talk to strangers and that they don’t behave in an ill-mannered way by knocking things off shelves or breaking anything. Establish these rules in a quiet place ahead of time, so that your child knows what is expected of him once you’re inside the busy stores.

Make Time for Break Time: If your child is acting out or throwing a tantrum they might be overwhelmed, hungry or tired. Make sure you make time to take a break. If possible, take a break in a quiet place where your child can have a snack and maybe even a nap. I’ve also taken my kids to visit Santa on a break when shopping in the mall. Visiting Santa is a great end-of-the-day activity, too as kids will look forward to this, and it can even encourage a bit of extra good behavior when you’re heading into the late afternoon hours!

Include your children in the holiday shopping this year! Don’t forget to lay the ground rules ahead of time, but encourage laughter and fun, too!

Happy shopping!

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Robert Nickell, aka Daddy Nickell, father of 6, offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents.  Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddyscrubs.com, delivery room duds and daddy gear for dads, and the Daddyscrubs.com blog where he covers topics about parenting and the latest baby and kids gear, all from a Dad’s perspective.

The post Holiday Shopping with Kids appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.