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Shopping with Teens

In our modern urban societies, particularly of the developed west, teenage kids are rarely seen hanging out with parents or guardians. After the age of 12 (sometimes even younger), most of the kids feel like losing their independence or freedom by going out with their parents for shopping. Being seen with parents brings them near mortification, especially when seen in their parents’ company by friends or classmates. And yet shopping together yields a good quality of ‘social glue’ to the relationship of parents and kids in their early teens.       

Shopping together gives parents and kids an opportunity to better understand each other. The choices of growing kids become better known to the parent/guardian who develops a respect for the child’s choices and openness to letting the young people choose for themselves. Kids, on the other hand, learn to count on their parents/guardians and approve their company as helpful and supportive while they decide for themselves. Now when the parents no more come to tell a bedtime story, shopping together gives parents and kids extra time for familial bonding.

Some parents/guardians may well find shopping together with teenage kids rather tough. Kids may make a choice that is quite egregious and may even insist on it; say, for example, a questionable garment selected by a young girl; or a very expensive sports item picked by a boy. Here it is time, of course, for some parental guidance without sounding imposing or preachy. Parents should gently explain that the dress is not appropriate so the girl can choose another one of the same color or having the same kind of embellishments but something more acceptable for her age.

Similarly, the parent of the boy, who is after an unaffordable sports item, should ask him softly to choose another item because the one he is after is not affordable at the moment. It is helpful if parents adopt a friendly tone and offer practical assistance in a way that shows parental willingness to allow the kid pursue his choice within budgetary limits. The best way to do so is by saying, ‘Hey, let’s find a better one together.’ In any case, make your shopping experience with the teen kid a pleasant one and it will promote greater trust and respect on both sides.      

 If you are  shopping online then we recommend  Back 2 Basics site, which has great collection of toys and other  kid related items.

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