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Find out how to avoid tantrums (hopefully!) when shopping with kids. If what they have in prospect is an hour or more of walking slowly, standing by your side, staying quiet, being ignored because you're busy, not touching things despite all they see you not only touching but *keeping* i.e putting in your cart - expect trouble. Subscribe to Type-A Mom articles

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What's in it for them?

Give them a reason to *be* there. Yes, I know the reason is quite often that there is no alternative childcare arrangement, but it's not really a compelling argument to a four year old - is it? Children love an adventure and if they can find adventure and excitement in a bath or digging in the garden, just think how much more excitement they could find in a supermarket. You just need to rein it in a little so the shopping gets done and you all get to go home together.

Give them their own shopping list to look for. Before your child can read, stick food labels or pictures of the items you want on a list for them.

Look puzzled in an aisle and ask your child for help. "Do you know...for the *life* of me I can't find the carrots. Could you help? We need four." Salad bars are great fun. Let your child help you fill the cart. It might not only be *you* who likes stuffing every nook and cranny so you get your money's worth!

These tips might also encourage them to eat fruit and vegetables, if they were the one to pick them out. Give them a choice over things. There's no real reason why you buy the same toothpaste or bubble bath every time is there?

They'll love helping you and that feeling is its own intrinsic reward, together with a hug and a kiss in the checkout line, but once in a while, in the car or at home, there's no harm in saying, "Do you know - *we* were SO good in there, I think we'll have a treat." Give them a choice, if possible - puzzle book or lollipop, or something like that. The treat doesn't always have to be sugary and unhealthy. Why not let them give you *your* choice of treats too? That will seem fair to them whilst still limiting their consumption of unhealthy foods.