How to improve your childs behavior at the store

I have been working in retail for quite a few years now and I have seen the big mistakes that parents make when taking their kids to the store.  So here is a "How to" list to make your life easier.

1. Kids hate shopping. They would much rather be playing outside, playing a video game, being with a friend, or what ever.
2. Don't buy them things every time you are at the store, they will soon expect it. Keep the gifts to birthdays and Holidays, you will have much more grateful children.
3. Do not spend a long time in the store. Children get restless. There attention span is so small. If you are going in with children, go with a list, go into a familiar store where you know the locations of everything.
4. Leave the "browsing" to your "me time" or a ladies day out.
5. Tell your kids the plan before you leave, for example MOM: "Kids we are going to the store for 20 min, I need to buy these things and nothing else, do not ask me for anything or ______ will happen.
6. Be CONSISTENT, if you say you are going to do something than do it! Kids are smarter than you think and they notice when you don't keep your word.
7. Do NOT tolerate bad behavior. "Get down to their level, express in a firm tone of voice, 'your behavior is not acceptable' and give them a clear consequence. And stick to your guns!" (tip compliments of Nanny 911)
8. DO NOT take them shopping late at night. Children should go to bed early. I am appalled when I am working till 11pm at night and Moms are in the store with their kids, getting upset at their children too! What do you expect? Its past their bed time! How do you act when you are up past your bed time?
9. Bring snacks, do not take from the shelf and feed before paying. This serves two purposes... One, kids are hungry all the time because they are growing at an incredibly fast rate. Keeping them fed and hydrated in important, and they will be less grouchy. The other purpose, if you are taking food from the shelf to feed your child before you pay for it, then you are teaching them that it is OK to use something before you buy it. Remember, be a good example to your kids and be honest.
10. Don't expect perfection. Kids get better at things as parents continue to teach and show children consequences to their actions. Go with the flow and let them do stupid things now and again. Just as long as you teach them about their actions. 
11. Allow your kids to participate, the older ones can help you find what is on your list. Sometimes grocery stores have kiddie grocery carts, kids love those!

Following the list above will take some work. My warning, do not wait until you get to the store to try all of this out. Apply this guide to your home life and I guarantee you will see an improvement. This most valuable thing you can do for your children is to BE CONSISTENT!!


Say what you mean and mean what you say!

Albuquerque NM, In the Fall

I would have to say that the Fall is the BEST time of year for Albuquerque. Some would say its the spring but unless you want to die from high pollen count from Juniper, Cottonwood and sagebrush, I wouldn't recommend it.


Fall has finally began here and I am completely overjoyed. The New Mexico State Fair has begun, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta will start in less than a month, Green Chili is being roasted at every grocery store, and soon the trees along the Rio Grande will be all bright and colorful.


Another thought of happy days to come... Fall in Albuquerque..


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Special Phone Call

I had a really nice chat on the phone with my brother Chris yesterday. It was so nice to be able to relate to him on a spiritual level. It was so nice to feel his support and concern for me. We laughed and cried together and it was so nice. That made my day a happy day.

Even though things are a little rocky in the family right now, I want to put this out there...

I love my family! I love ALL of you for who you are!

Last Day of Summer

Let me just say, I am so ready for fall. I can't wait to light my candles that smell like I walked into a country themed interior decorating store. I can't wait to cook butternut squash soup, pumpkin chai cheesecake, and pot roast (not at the same time of course). There all these super cute clothes in my closet that are dying to come out and enjoy the great weather.

This year I want to make baked goods and take them to people that least expect it. This year I want to find a new and AMAZING recipe to add to my thanksgiving cuisine. This year I am going to have a super cute Halloween costume. This year I want to have a really good Holiday Season.

Despite everything that seems to try and stand in my way of being happy, I am going to choose to be greatful and try my hardest to make the best of everything.

:-)