7 Ways To Keep Your Kids Happy In The Checkout Line

We’ve all been there. That moment you finally reach the checkout at the grocery store, and you find a line that is backed up and moving slowly. With kids in tow this can often mean disaster, but we found these 7 Ways To Keep Your Kids Happy In The Checkout Line are perfect for eliminating meltdowns. Not only can you keep your kids happy, you will be doing yourself and your fellow shoppers a favor too.

7 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR KIDS HAPPY IN THE CHECKOUT LINE

1. Hand Over Your Phone: Yes, we mean it. One of the best things about the modern age of technology is the fact that those unsavory meltdowns can be prevented with a quick touch of a screen and a game of Flappy Bird, Angry Birds or some other popular game you have downloaded to your smart phone. If any time is good for using electronics, this is it.

2. Play I Spy: Grocery stores are chock full of fun items for your kids to look for. The checkout line is a great place to stop and start looking for fun things to have them search for in a simple game of I Spy.

3. Quiet Game For Prize: Yes, in desperation bribery does come into play. Tell them if they can successfully play the quiet game during the waiting process, they will get a prize. This can be a small toy, a piece of candy, or an extra half hour of television. Offer what suits your family best.

4. Play 20 Questions: What better time for them to ask you all of those burning questions than now? Try to keep the answers short, sweet and to the point, but encourage them to think outside the box.

5. Practice Spelling Or Vocabulary Words: It’s a great time to practice spelling, vocabulary or other recitation homework. Don’t have that weeks list on hand? Try to make a point of keeping a copy in your bag just in case in the future, in the meantime simply go over words you know they need help with.

6. Play What Character Am I? Think about their favorite movie or television show and start describing characters giving hard clues at first, then work your way up to easier. Have them try to guess which character you are.

7. Practice Counting Skills: Have them begin with counting all of the items in your cart. If you still have time leftover, have them count things in the checkout line like how many types of candy or gum there are.

Being stuck in a long line at the grocery store doesn’t mean you have to deal with meltdowns from the kids. It simply requires a bit of planning, or thinking outside the box. The most important thing to remember is keeping your kids minds busy so the time passes quickly. While electronics are a last resort, they are a great thing to have on hand for times like this. Don’t hesitate to do so if it means a simpler and more peaceful grocery store experience.

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