When I do my weekly shopping at Target, I reward P for her patience with playtime in the toy section at the end of our visit. I’m not sure if it’s her age and maybe P doesn’t know any better, but I’m amazed she doesn’t ask to take things home. Sometimes we take one small toy home. Last week it was a $1 pig. Normally P plays with the toys in the boxes. She doesn’t try to break them open or move them all around. She just sits there and is entertained playing with them on the shelf. I set my timer and I give her 10-20 minutes. We’re developing a routine now of going through most aisles slowly instead of running around like mad.
My husband was even surprised when he took her to the toy store. He couldn’t figure out why she didn’t seem to want to take home a toy turtle. I told him we often go to toy stores to look. Sometimes we buy but usually we don’t. If she really wants something I say yes but first we talk through what she has at home. If she has something similar we won’t get another but if not and she really wants it then yes.
Again, not sure if its the age or I’m doing something right but P is content with what she has and I’m very happy about that…and so is the Hubby since we’re not spending more money.