Teaching Kids About Grocery Shopping

Grocery shopping with kids doesn't have to be a dreaded experience. With the right approach, it becomes an opportunity to teach valuable life skills.

Age-Appropriate Involvement

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Toddlers (2-4 years)

• Name colors and shapes of produce
  
  • Help put items in the cart
    
    • Count items together

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      Young Children (5-7 years)
      

      • Help find items on the list
        
        • Compare prices on simple items
          
          • Learn about food groups

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            Older Children (8-12 years)
            

            • Calculate unit prices
              
              • Make choices within a budget
                
                • Plan simple meals

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                  Teenagers
                  

                  • Shop independently with a list
                    
                    • Compare nutrition labels
                      
                      • Manage a food budget

                        Making It Educational

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                        Math Skills
                        Use shopping to practice addition, subtraction, multiplication, and percentages. Calculate the total, figure out discounts, compare unit prices.

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                        Reading Skills
                        Let younger children find items by reading labels. Older kids can read and compare ingredient lists and nutrition facts.

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                        Decision Making
                        Give children choices within parameters. "We can get one cereal. Which do you choose?" This builds critical thinking skills.

                        Using Technology

                        Apps like Pickilist let kids participate in list-making before the trip. They can add items they'd like (subject to approval!) and check things off while shopping.

                        The Benefits

                        Children who participate in grocery shopping develop:
                        

                        • Financial literacy
                          
                          • Nutritional awareness
                            
                            • Independence
                              
                              • Responsibility

                                Start involving your kids today and watch them develop skills they'll use for life.