Guest Post: Use the Checkout Aisle to Teach Your Children Healthy Habits by Ken Myers

Image credit: https://www.flickr.com/photos/rignes/3109466528/

One of the biggest dangers of taking kids with you to the grocery store is the checkout aisle. Full of candies, junk food, and trashy magazines, it can be hard to keep your kids from pleading for a candy bar or asking you why the ladies on the magazines have so few clothes on.

Help keep your kids distracted from these observations by including them in putting the groceries on the counter. You can have them grouped by refrigerated and non-refrigerated or boxes and canned goods. This can help keep their hands busy and eyes off the candy. Make sure they don’t get their fingers stuck in the conveyer belt, however.

Another way to help is to teach them that junk food is an occasional treat, not something to eat every time you come to the store, is to point out the value of fresh fruits and vegetables over candy and sweets. Talk to your kids about proper nutrition.

You can also help your kids to learn more about money. Have them watch the cashier ring up the purchases and watch the total go up. When you pay talk, to them about what change you will get or how credit cards work. This can be a great opportunity to interact with your kids instead of fighting with them over candy bars.

Although it can be hard at times, stay firm in saying no. One inopportune yes, like when you are tried or just want them to be quiet, can lead to weeks or months of whining about “last time” later. By staying firm, you can save yourself a lot of hassle down the line.

Kids need their parents to set firm boundaries and keep them, even in little things like eating too much junk food or buying impulsively. These boundaries can help them to set high standards for themselves as they grow up and lead healthier lives.

Ken Myers is a father of three and passionate about great childcare. He’s always looking for ways to help families find the support they need to live fuller, richer lives. Find out more about expert childcare by checking out @go_nannies on Twitter.