Taking kids to the store for groceries, necessities, etc can get pretty crazy. Especially when you have small children. This simple kids activity helps me keep my sanity, my kids close by, and it’s a fun learning game too!
As a mom who’s village lives far away, and is often without assistance, I’ve learned to get creative when it comes to going out with my kids. The fact of the matter is, if I never left the house when my husband was away I would go absolutely insane.
Simple Grocery Store “Game” For Kids
My little grocery game isn’t really a game at all. All I do is tell my child what I need from the shelf, how many, and have them put it in the cart. (Or to avoid anything breaking, give it to me and I will put it in the cart.) It is that simple. If your child can read, give them a list to read as well!
Really, it’s just grocery shopping. Haha! But the kids think it is so much fun, and they love finding an item, and helping me get it off the shelf.
For example I will tell them, “I need 3 cans of corn. Can you find that for me?” If there are multiple brands of that item, I will tell them the color of the can to help them find the correct one.
And we simply take turns between kids getting things.
After we have finished our shopping, I let them help me put everything on the checkout belt. As well as let them help me bag the items.
So again, I am loosely calling this a game. It really is just letting them help me grocery shop. But they absolutely love it!
![Simple Kids Activity - Grocery Store Game](https://i0.wp.com/justplanejane.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/4-1.png?resize=1024%2C819&ssl=1)
Why My Kids Love This Simple Kids Activity & Grocery Store Game
This “game” may seem really silly to an adult, but the fact is kids absolutely love it! And here’s why:
- They get to help: Kids love to help with everyday tasks. I honestly can’t tell you why that is, but they do. I think it makes them feel independent, and fills that human desire to be helpful. Not to mention “grown up tasks” like laundry, grocery shopping, dishes, etc are exciting to kids.
- It makes grocery shopping more fun: Yes, kids do tend to be interested in adult tasks. However, grocery shopping isn’t the most exciting for kids. (Let’s be honest, it’s really not exciting for adults either! Ha!) And while I don’t think we need to make everything fun for kids, sometimes it can be helpful for our own sanity. Instead of having to listen to kids complain that this is boring, they are having fun doing a task with mom.
![Kids picking fruit](https://i0.wp.com/justplanejane.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/2-3.png?resize=1024%2C819&ssl=1)
Why I Love This Simple Kids Activity & Grocery Store Game
Not only do my kids love this little game, but I love it too! And here’s why:
- It keeps my kids close to me: As much as I would love to corral them all in the cart during shopping trips, I need the cart space for groceries. And so, this little grocery store game keeps their focus on me and the task at hand. In turn this keeps them close to me instead of wandering ahead. Not to mention it keeps me from having to constantly tell them to come back, stay close, hold the cart, etc.
- As strange as it sounds, for the kids it’s a fun activity. But for me, it’s about safety and keeping them where I can see them. (Because you only have so many eyes. ha!) Meanwhile keeping grocery shopping a positive experience overall.
- They are learning while we go: Not only does it keep the kids close to me without constantly correcting them, they are learning too! What exactly are they learning?
- Numbers: Can you get 2 bananas? 5 apples? They get to count out the item as they pick them, as well as get a visual on what that number looks like.
- If your kids are older, you can also show them the prices of items. Have them do some quick math to see how much multiples of an item would cost. Incorporate how money works, etc.
- Recognizing food items: Doing this also helps them recognize food items. They will learn what green beans are, what pasta looks like, etc.
- Colors: When there are multiple brands of a similar item, I will usually point out the color of the packaging so they know which one I want. This helps them recognize colors. And with my youngest toddler, I usually always point out the color anyway. (yellow banana. purple grapes. etc.)
- Following directions: On top of all the other amazing things they are learning, this game teaches how to follow directions. They have to listen to what I am asking, and then follow through with the task. It’s simple, but very effective.
- Numbers: Can you get 2 bananas? 5 apples? They get to count out the item as they pick them, as well as get a visual on what that number looks like.
![Grocery Cart](https://i0.wp.com/justplanejane.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/1-3.png?resize=1024%2C819&ssl=1)
Managing Every Day Tasks With Kids In Tow
Taking kids everywhere with us can be hard work. However, it’s great for kids to learn how to behave in public spaces, and happily co-exist with others. So while it may be difficult at times, know that what you are doing is important.
Kids are not small adults. Their brains are still developing and they are learning and absorbing everything all the time. Its ok for kids to act like kids! You are not a bad mom when your kids don’t act perfectly every time you go somewhere. It is simply our job to correct them, and teach them.
And because of this, I don’t think it is always necessary to make every task fun for our kids. It is important for them to learn how to cope with life and every day experiences that may not always be fun and exciting.
On the other hand, I also don’t think it is wrong to make some things fun from time to time. You simply need to find that healthy balance between the two.
I love this little grocery store game, because it can be fun for them, but it also teaches them what we do at the grocery store, and how to behave properly. (Instead of racing up and down the aisles, and pulling everything off the shelves. If you know what I mean. Haha!)
![Simple kids activity at the grocery store](https://i0.wp.com/justplanejane.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/3-2.png?resize=1024%2C819&ssl=1)
Simple Activities Are Sometimes The Best Ones!
I am in no way claiming this simple kids activity as my own. It is just something I started doing with my kids, and it has helped me a lot. And as silly and simple as it seems, sometimes we just don’t think of simple things because our brains are already on overdrive with everything else.
Looking for some more simple activity inspiration? Check out some of these ideas below!
Unexpected FREE Kid’s Activities for the Summer
Fun Family Activities To Do At Home
Simple Sun Catcher Craft For Kids
You are a great mom, and you’re doing a fabulous job!
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