How to Survive Holiday Shopping with Kids

When you're heading out for your next holiday shopping venture with kids in tow, keeping everyone happy and motivated can be a challenge. Trying to manage kids who are thoroughly enjoying their mood swings, helping them get over the sudden need to dump everything in the cart, or just keeping track of the gang as you scramble through the holiday crowds can be stressful. Here are a few tips on surviving holiday shopping trips when you bring the kids along:

1. Give them a project. This works very much like a scavenger hunt, except their job is to keep their eyes peeled for a particular item at each store. Games like these will keep them focused on one thing so they are less likely to be constantly distracted from the shelves of toys and goodies throughout the trip. Plan ahead and confirm everyone understands the rules of the game before stepping foot inside the store.

2. Pack their favorite snacks. Low blood sugar and hunger can make a trip to the store a complete nightmare. During holiday shopping trips, it's even more difficult to find food exactly when you need it; pack small bags of healthy treats to keep the kids busy when hunger strikes. Healthy energy choices include granola bars, fruit slices, or even a peanut butter sandwich.

3. Let them buy just one gift. Holiday shopping trips can make holiday wish lists extra long, and you'll often be left with an 'But I want it!!' dilemma when they see something new. Let them know they can pick out one item to take home, and nothing more.

4. Tell them you'll call Santa if they misbehave. Carrying a cell phone with you in case of an 'emergency call' to Santa will quickly appease a temper tantrum underway!

5. Head to the store as early as possible. Holiday hours that extend into the late evening are great when you're shopping alone, but you'll be left with tired and irritable kids if you go past 8 p.m. Head out to the store as early as possible so you can avoid the crowds and get the shopping done well before the irritability factor sets in.