Plan shopping trips when children are not tired or hungry. Go when you are rested, as well as when your child is rested. Don't wait until the end of a tiring day.

Discuss the rules before entering the store. "When we leave, you can select a package of ________ if you, remember the rules."

Bring a nutritious snack for the child to eat during the shopping trip. (Raisins, cut-up apples, nuts, etc.)

Bring a favorite blanket, toy or book from home to help make him feel secure.

Give your child a responsibility. (Help select the hardest apples, find the cheapest green beans, match the coupons with the labels.)

Select a secret word or signal which you can both use to get the immediate attention of the other.

Don't let your child out of your sight, hold hands. Let him hold onto or help steer the grocery cart.

Reinforce appropriate behavior. Talk with her, play with her, engage her in decision making process. Encourage her to talk, watch, listen, think.

Make a game of it. "Do you remember where animal bacon comes from; what cereal can you see in a purple box; find the peas in the red can, etc."

Play I see something" in the checkout lane and have the children guess what you see; find the things in the aisle that are red, in cans, are for eating, etc.

Sing quiet songs together while rolling the cart - make a silly song about spinach, etc. while waiting in line; retell your child's favorite story, encouraging her to chime in on the verses she knows.