QUESTION: What’s the most successful way to approach grocery shopping with young children?

ANSWER: Have you heard this story?

An old man was grocery shopping with his grandson. The toddler was crying, and at times, screaming at the top of his lungs. As the grandfather walked up and down the aisles, people could hear him speaking in a soft voice … “We are almost done, Albert … Try not to cry, Albert … Life will get better, Albert.”

As he approached the checkout stand, he carefully brushed the toddler’s tears from his eyes and said again, “Try not to cry, Albert … We will be home soon, Albert.” As he was paying the cashier, the toddler continued to cry as a young woman in line behind him said, “Sir, I think it is wonderful how sweet you are being to your little Albert.” The grandfather blinked his eyes a couple of times before saying, “My grandson’s name is John. I’m Albert.”

We chuckle, but feeling trapped in the grocery store with a child who is “acting out” is a most unpleasant experience. Cooperative shopping experiences with young children means that parents have planned ahead.

• For little ones, when we shop is very important; children need to be well fed and rested and grocery trips need to be short. With young children, it really is better to decide to make shorter trips more often.

•Practice shopping with preschoolers. It’s a fun pretend game and helps set the expected structure.

•Find a library book to read to your child about grocery shopping.

•Tell your child the rules before you go in the store: 1) We walk, not run, in the store; running is for the playground. 2) We talk, not yell, in the store; yelling is for outdoors. 3) There will be no whining for treats; treats are rewards for good behavior. Show your child where you have put an agreed upon treat on your grocery list that she may have at the end of the shopping trip.

•Keep your child involved during the shopping trip. Talk to him about what you are buying. Look for colors, shapes and sizes. Allow your child to hold a certain item as you move down an aisle; then ask your child if he’s ready to trade for a new item at the next aisle.

•Finally, introduce your child to the cashier. Make it obvious that you are pleased to have your child with you.

If you would like to talk with a parenting specialist about challenges in raising children, call the toll-free Parent WarmLine at 1-888-584-2204/Línea de Apoyo at 877-434-9528. For free emergency child care call Crisis Nursery at 1-877-434-9599. Check out www.familiesandcommunities.org.