Dear Director,

It seems like my 2 year old daughter can’t wait to go to the supermarket and throw a tantrum! She does the body flop (where she makes her body limp and won’t get off the floor) or she screams when she can’t get her way, she even runs away from me. Do you have any suggestions for making shopping less traumatic?

Dear Scared,

Ah, I remember those days well, my toddlers loved to throw full-scale tantrums at the supermarket, so I can empathize with your dilemma. Below are some strategies gained from both parenting and years of running a childcare centers. These critical tips help to make the shopping experience less painful.

• Make sure your 2 year old has eaten before you leave home. Never take a hungry toddler shopping!
• Give your child a toy to play with while you shop.
• Try to snag one of the car shaped shopping carts, if one is not available keep your child in the shopping cart with the safety belt on to avoid having to chase your youngster up and down the aisles.
• Put sugarless snacks that your child enjoys in your bag just in case your 2 year old sees something that they absolutely must have on the store shelves.
• Bring a shopping list, so that you can shop efficiently and quickly.

It is important to remember when teaching our children any new skill patience and love makes all of the difference.

Send your childcare questions to WANDA@TARTTS.COM

“Ask The Director “ is written by Wanda Geer in collaboration with Anita Handy and Nida Wright. Director’s at Tartt’s Day Care Centers Inc. their combined childcare experience totals 40 years.