Check out these 5 easy tips for fostering independence at the farmer's market with kids!
Heading to the farmer's market with kids has, in the past, has been either AWESOME fun or a disaster. Over the years, we've perfected this weekly trip.
Below are five tips for fostering independence at the farmer's market with kids. Make the trip an adventure!
Let's get started....
5 TIPS FOR MAKING YOUR TRIP TO THE FARMER'S MARKET AN ADVENTURE:
1. Go early. If at all possible, get to the farmer's market early. As in, get out of bed and roll out first thing. There is a better selection and less people. Which means, if your little one just happens to go off the handle... their are less witnesses. In other words, it is a little less stressful!
2. Consider giving them an allowance. We make our trip a coffee date. Mom or dad get iced-coffee and the girls get a dollar to buy their own treat. Sometimes it is a honey stick, other times a freshly squeezed lemonade or a cookie. Quinn is obsessed with the apple fritters from our local orchard. Let them make the choice and pay the vendor.
3. Give them a grocery list. It sure is gratifying to check off a grocery item from a list. If your child is older, have them write a list for the farmer's market. If you've got a toddler or preschooler on your hands, check out this awesome color and paste shopping list over on Melissa & Doug's blog Playtime Press.
Disclosure: I am a Blog Ambassador for Melissa & Doug, but this is not a sponsored post. I just happen to love their blog and products!
4. Let them carry stuff. When we head to the farmer's market my daughter actually brings her Octopus Kids' Beach Tote Bag. It is perfect because the bottom portion of the bag has mesh walls. This constant flow of air keeps our fresh items from overheating. Also, the floor of the bag is supported so fresh items that are a bit more delicate don't get squished as your child walks around and shops. That being said, Mom still carries the raspberries!
Disclaimer: Sometimes Dad still ends up with the bag. Ha. Nothing sexier than a dad whose manliness is not faltered by an octopus tote. Find this bag on Melissa & Doug's site or on Amazon.
5. Let them lead. Make sure to plan an adequate amount of time for your trip. Don't worry about strategically going through your list. Let them lead with their list. Wander. Stop and smell the flowers. Relax. Enjoy their excitement.
At our farmer's market I love the cherry almond scones from one of our local bakeries ... and between you and me, I don't usually like cherries. Mmmmm. Just thinking about it makes me hungry.
What's YOUR favorite thing to get at your local farmer's market? Let's chat in the comments.
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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. Also, Let's Lasso the Moon is proud to be a Melissa & Doug Blog Ambassador. That being said, this is NOT a sponsored post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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