I can vividly remember how, when my only son was young, he really looked forward going to the grocery store with mom!

Maybe it was the vivid colors or the wide selection of choices, but he, even as an infant, would giggle with glee. No problem as an infant in the grocery buggy’s car seat, but when he hit toddler age and then 2, our trips to the grocery store were not looked upon with joy because he would run around the store and let mom know in a very loud voice what he wanted.

I felt like I was under the grocery store spotlight of fellow shoppers’ stares — “why can’t that mom control her little one?”

Needless to say, when I got to the cash register to check out, my face was red with embarrassment; I felt like I had been running a marathon, and knew I needed to get control of this little one who was controlling my life. So to young moms who are having this problem now: this Kids Corner mom perfectly understands your dilemma and is ready to give some tips that I know will really help!

Consistency in making your little one mind is the key. I know it is hard and can be tiring but trust that the hard work now will make an easier and happier future for you and your child.

In the meantime, use these tips to help with the situation.

• Young children need behavior boundaries. In fact they desire boundaries. This can be done with clear, simple rules and expectations. Examples are to say, “Stay close with mom,” “Don’t run and yell” and “Look at items but don’t touch.”
• When the rules and consequences are clearly understood, give one warning only. Let your “no” stand. Changing your instructions mixes your young child up and lets them get away with misbehavior. Quietly discipline your children when they need it, even if it means you and your child slip into the bathroom or back to the car.
• Praising young children is very effective with young children to motivate them to behave in the home, classroom or in a public setting. Children react very well to verbal praise as well as a small reward like a piece of candy at the end of a shopping trip. Praise and reward only good behavior.
• If help is needed with your young children in the store, enlist the help of a family member or friend to go with you.   

Beth Pinyerd lives in Daphne and serves as director of younger children at Faith Family Fellowship in Spanish Fort.

Her column appears regularly in The Bulletin.