Taking children shopping is a great way to teach them skills that will help them manage their own money as they grow up. Find out fun ways to get kids involved in shopping.
They can learn:
- how to keep your money safe
- ways to cut costs
- how to resist buying extras that you don’t need.
What you will learn
Before you go shopping
Shopping trips provide lots of real-life opportunities for your child to learn about the value of money. But let’s face it, they can be stressful.
Planning ahead can give you the headspace you need to teach them a few simple money management skills once you’re out, without also having to deal with distractions you hadn’t planned for.
Getting ready
Before you head to the shops, you can involve children by:
- getting them to help you make a list – this is a good opportunity to explain which things on it are ‘needs’ and which are ‘wants’
- involve them in choosing what to buy, such as what snacks or fruit they’d like
- asking them to check the cupboards with you to see what’s running out
- showing them how much money you have to spend.
At the shops
There's a lot to juggle when shopping with kids - from keeping them from wandering off and remembering what you need to buy to avoiding spending too much.
Helping them learn about money can be a great way to get them involved and not get bored. When you get to the shops, remind them about the list and show them what you're buying first.
As you walk around, you could explain how the layout is designed to get you to buy more. For example, you'll probably have to walk past lots of temptations you 'want' before you find the essentials you 'need'.
Shopping together
Here are some easy ways to get kids to help you make money go further:
- Get them to find the cheapest item - the most expensive products are often place where they're easier to spot, with the cheaper brands being on the lower shelves.
- It's likely that the things kids want will be put at their eye level. Get them to explain why they like those products - whether it's the colours or the pictures. This is a great way to talk about how marketing encourages people to spend more.
- Encourage kids to spot special offers - you can then explain it's only a good deal if you need it.
At the checkout
If kids are getting tired by this point, letting them know how helpful they've been might avoid a tantrum. Even if they did get cross when they couldn't say anything, praise them for the times they stayed patient.
Check out together
Involve them in checking out the shopping so they don’t get bored:
- if you’re using cash, get your children to count out the money and pay, older children can work out how much change you’ll get
- if you’re paying by card, explain where the money for this comes from
- show them how you keep your cards and PINs safe.