Shopping with a young child

I was recruited.  To shop with a young child, I mean Aunt Jane.  Back to C-town 1 day early this weekend and mom recruited me to tag team shop with Aunt Jane.  Christmas is Aunt Jane's FAVORITE time of year and she has been itching mom to do some damage, I mean shopping.  Mom made one shopping attempt with Aunt Jane last week, but quickly remembered why its not a one on one game! 

You would think that you would have full control if shopping with an 80 year old in a wheelchair.  Not the case.  A store full of sights, sounds and displays looks like a play-ground to Aunt Jane.  Game on.

Like a young child, Aunt Jane is easily distracted by anything shiney, sparkley, and breakable.  She needs lots of potty breaks, speaks to strangers, always spots the candy, ignores a budget and 'wants' everything.

I have developed some tips for shopping with Aunt Jane so that the experience can remain enjoyable for all.  The tips could be appropriately substituted for any young child.

1.  Discuss the agenda and rules before you enter the store.  You might say, "Ok, Aunt Jane we are going to Target and Younkers and then Olga's for dinner.  Let's make a shopping list."

2.  Give Aunt Jane a job.  For example, ask her to hold the shopping list or to pick out 4 different scarves.

3.  Keep Aunt Jane close.  It's amazing how quickly she can getaway even on two wheels, so keep a tight grasp.

4.  It's ok to tell occassional fibs.  For example, when Aunt Jane asks how much the Santa serving spoons are - it's ok to say they cost $35 when they really cost $5.

5.  Play the "I see something" game.  When Aunt Jane gets fixated on something that she really should NOT purchase, just play along and then all the sudden, in your most excited voice say "I see something you would love" and change directions.

6.  Play the "putaway when she looks away" game.  To avoid the 100th debate and explaination as to why she doesn't need to purchase the blue sweatshirt with cardinals and fake snow, just let her put it in the cart.  Then a short while later, when she looks away, just take it out the cart.  It's ok, she won't remember.

7.  Don't forget to stock your purse full of goodies.  You never know when she will need a kleenex, water, mints, paper, pen, snacks, lipstick or fur ear muffs.

8.  Give Aunt Jane choices - but not too many.  When possible allow Aunt Jane to make some choices.  For example, "pink or black", "bowl or plate".  Be prepared to bargain and compromise.

9.  Ignore inappropriate behavior unless it becomes dangerous, destructive, or truly embarrassing.  If she wants to go to bathroom without shutting the stall door, just ignore.  If she asks random strangers what time JC Penney's closes, just ignore. 

10.  Learn from Aunt Jane and embrace the Christmas spirit.  There is something that makes people more selfless, more friendly, more kind, and generally much happier and hopeful people at Christmas.