Limit number of stops per outing

In order to minimize the chance of your child melting down in public, limit the number of places you go on each outing. Some children have a higher tolerance than others and will be able to handle going three or more places per outing. Other children can only handle one stop. Recognize your child´s limit and return home while your child is still behaving properly. This will drastically reduce the amount of stress which accompanies a day out with your child.

Fun at the grocery store

Make up flash cards from supermarket catalogues by cutting out grocery items and gluing them onto cardboard. Give the children a card and ask them to find it in the aisle you are in and bring it back to the trolley. Not only do the kids enjoy shopping more but are learning what the items look like and where they belong.

Stories on Tape

If you are able, playing a cassette of children´s stories in the car will keep their mind of the journey.

End diaper bag stress

Avoid packing your diaper bag on the way out the door. Keep an extra diaper bag in the car, full of a change of clothes, diaper supplies, water bottles etc. This way you don´t have to worry that you might be out on the town without the neccessities.

Zoo and Museum Memberships

Invest in family memberships at local museums and zoos. A season pass will give you the opportunity to have a fun outing for free, because the card´s already paid for, even when money is tight. You will be able to go often, so you won´t be tempted to pack everything in to one visit. Also, you can suggest membership passes for the family as gift ideas that your family would be happy to recieve.

Over-scheduling activities

Are your child´s days overscheduled? Prioritize the activities and cut out those at the bottom of the list. Be clear about who benefits from each activity, your child or you, when making decisions about which activities to keep.

Sand Toys for the Park

In order to avoid potential playground boredom, bring sand toys along for your preschooler. It´s a good idea to keep a couple of buckets and shovels in the trunk, so they are there when you need them. An extra bucket and shovel are important in case your child finds a friend with which to play. You could also attach a bucket to your stroller when you walk to the park.

Kite Fun

Kite flying is a fun activity for kids and adults. Problem is that the kite´s usually at home when you´re on a beautiful open grass field. Eliminate this problem by buying a fold-up kite and keep it in your trunk. It will be there when you need it and your children will have a chance to burn up their extra energy.