Shopping With Children, Exciting Ways To Teach Self-Control And Calculate Budgets

Illustration of children and mothers shopping. (Freepic)

JAKARTA - For some parents, taking their children to the shopping center may be a hassle. However, behind the hassle, it turns out that there are many psychological and emotional benefits that children can get from this simple activity.

Child psychologist, Saskya Aulia Prima explained, shopping experience can be a fun and meaningful means of learning.

"Not only introducing the outside world, this activity can also help children hone important skills from an early age," said Saskhya at a OH!SOME & FuniFun press conference! Day by Blue Origin Group in Bekasi, recently.

Here are some benefits often invite children to shop together as Saskya said.

Before leaving for shopping, parents can invite their children to create a list of needs. From here, children learn about goal settings or destination determinations. In fact, for young children who can't write yet, parents can create simple pictures instead of lists.

"We are invited to shop, we can previously have a goal first what to shop for, planned. If a small child cannot write, it can be communicated maybe in the form of a picture while shopping," said Saskya.

Being in a shopping center with many choices of goods is certainly a separate test for children. This is where they can practice controlling themselves.

Children learn to distinguish between needs and desires, as well as understand that not all goods can be purchased. This process, according to Saskya, becomes a natural way of training self control which is very useful until they grow up.

Joint spending can also be a moment for children to practice counting. Parents can invite them to determine the amount of money allocated, then calculate the price of the selected item. Hitung budget, for example, budget so much, children can learn to calculate," explained Saskya. That way, children not only study basic mathematics, but also understand the value of money from an early age.

More than just transaction activities, spending together also strengthens the emotional relationship between parents and children. When walking together, discussing choosing goods, or just joking in the store aisle, there is a communication process that builds closeness.

"Parents' role is needed how to accompany their children when they go to shopping centers, such as communicating when shopping, reviewing their goods and needs together," said Saskya.

Saskya added, this benefit can be felt from early childhood to adolescents. The difference is only in the form of assistance provided. Small children may need more direction, while teenagers can be involved in making more complex decisions.