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Taking your children step by step through the grocery shopping process teaches them what you need, where to find it and where it goes when you get home. This may take a little longer, but it will be very rewarding. Each step will help develop skills needed in every day life.

First, find out what you need at the store. Have your child make out a menu for the next two days (remind them that chocolate, ice cream, chips and a soda is not considered a meal). Together go to the fridge and cupboards to see what food you have and what you need. If they can write, have them write the grocery list. You may even have them cut coupons with you.

Now, you can go to the grocery store. As you go through the store call out the items they need and let them find it. Show your children how to tell if a fruit or vegetable is ripe. Have them order food from the deli. They can even pick out a special treat for the family from the bakery. Let them choose the check out line and you can even let them pay for the items. If you cut coupons, show them how to use them. Allow them to put the groceries in the car.

When you get home, have your children help bring in the groceries and put them away. Try to let them do most of the work by themselves. See if they know what foods need to be frozen, refrigerated, and put in the cupboard. If they don't, show them and explain why.

You and your children will be proud of all they have accomplished. They have utilized their reading, writing, math, problem solving, and public speaking skills. They have worked on their physical fitness carrying the groceries into the house. Most important, they got to do it all with you!

Submitted by Free Quick Recipes

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