Holiday Shopping with Children: Are You Insane?!

Do you see the people in the photo below? NO ONE EVER looks like that when they are holiday shopping with their children. EVER.  

BUT, if you check out some of today's helpful tips, you may just accomplish your shopping without going off the deep end.

Tip #1 Leave your children at home. Well, that's too obvious! If you can't then...

Tip #2 Do your homework first. Make a list, then read flyers, check online sources and even phone the stores for prices and availability. You can order most items online and get them shipped to the store for pick-up or directly to your home.

Tip #3 Explain the ground rules. Tell them what the shopping trip is for, where you’re going and what you’re planning to buy. Remind them about not talking to strangers, not straying away out of your sight, not touching stuff on display, etc. nag, nag, nag…

Tip #4 It goes without saying that malls and department stores are INSANE during the holidays so have a plan in case your children get separated. Make sure they have your cell phone number. Dress your children in bright colours that will be easy to spot. Designate a meeting spot that is easy to find.

Tip #5 Go early to avoid traffic, parking issues, crowds and line-ups which are all magnified by a trillion when you are dragging hot, tired and cranky kids around. Small independent retailers don't usually have the chaos that bigger stores and centres have. Support local business!

Tip #6 Bring along small toys, books and snacks for distractions. A chewing mouth is a quiet mouth.

Tip #7 Take breaks. Have a cold drink in a quiet spot . Praise your kids for good behaviour, remind them of the ground rules, revisit your list and share a happy holiday memory.

Tip #8 Know your and your children’s limits. It’s better to make short, frequent trips than one grueling marathon shopping trip.

And don't forget the obligatory photo with Santa...

...ah, that's more like it...