Shopping without Meltdowns

Going shopping for groceries, clothes, etc. can be difficult for a child with sensory needs. Especially if they become bored or see items they may want and not being able to get. This can cause meltdowns for children making it difficult and emotionally draining for families to do this necessary shopping. Here are some strategies to help make the process of shopping go smoother without meltdowns.

• Provide your child with a verbal heads up of where you are going and how long it will take

Sometimes not knowing how long something is going to last can be very unnerving for a child. By giving the child a verbal heads up of where you are going shopping and approximately how long it will take, this will help the child process what is going to happen and decrease meltdowns. Try saying something simple like “we need to go to the grocery store, then Mom needs some new clothes and then we will go home.” (Quick Note – things take longer than expected, plans change, so while we may leave home thinking we are only going to 2 stores and it will take an hour, this process can sometimes take longer. While this can be frustrating for a child to deviate from the original plan this is a great opportunity to teach your child flexibility.) 

• Bring items to keep your child occupied while shopping 

Think of bringing items like a small toy, or a book that the child can engage with while shopping to keep them entertained. Don’t forget things like a snack or a water bottle as well.

• Bring sensory calming items for your child when you go shopping

Bring things like a Wilbarger brush, hand fidgets, calming bottle, etc. to help your child calm if they start to get sensory overwhelmed. In addition, doing some heavy work (wall pushes against the car, jumping jacks, etc.) before going shopping, or giving your child a deep hug can help your child calm and prepare for the shopping.

• Give your child praise for good behavior while shopping

To encourage continued positive behavior during things like shopping, make sure that you give your child lots of positive praise for positive shopping experiences. Saying things like “you did such a good job waiting while we went shopping,” “I’m so proud of you for listening to me in the store,” “I had so much fun shopping with you today, I can’t wait to do it again.” Even if the child wasn’t able to stay calm the entire time, we can provide praise – “I know you are tired and upset, but I’m proud of how you held my hand in the store” or “I see that you are getting hungry, we are almost done and then we will get a snack. Thank You for being patient.”

Do these strategies work for you and your family to help prevent meltdowns when shopping? Are there any additional strategies​ you and your family use to make shopping go smoothly? Email me at blog@goflowoccupationaltherapy.com

See you soon!
Michael Jankowski, MS, OTR/L