8 Survival Tips for Christmas Shopping with Kids

Have you noticed the ‘silly season’ has begun? Car parks are busier, shopping centres are noisier and brighter, and everyone is rushing! Add to this some end of year fatigue and some sensory processing challenges…it’s a recipe for a huge MELTDOWN!!

Here are some tips for coping with the Christmas build up and festivities:

1. Avoid taking your kids to the shops where possible. If this isn’t an option, plan your shopping for quieter times e.g. the start of the day as shops open, or go bright and early to 24hr shops such as Coles and Kmart.

2. Click and collect is a great option available at many shops which limits the amount of queuing and waiting times.

3. Wear headphones to block out noise in busy environments.

4. Wear sunglasses and a hat to reduce the brightness of flashing Christmas lights and decorations.

5. Get your child to carry a backpack around the shops to provide proprioceptive input which has a calming effect

6. Snacks to suck or chew on and drinks with a straw can help with regulation.

7. Make a plan of which shops you need to go to – make a visual list and get your child to mark off each one as you complete them. A reward for them at the end of the list might be useful too. This gives the child a sense of control and makes the outing more predictable.

8. Get your groceries home delivered – some extra $ spent on delivery may well be worth it. Alternatively Click and Collect groceries are no extra cost, and you can drive and collect your order without having to even get your kids out of the car

Good luck.