Keeping Children Entertained or Engaged?

First there were the shopping carts with cars built into the base. Now there is a mobile phone that downloads movies. 

The commercial for the latter shows a mother in the grocery store singing the praises of the electronic device as it enables her to get her shopping done.  A young child sits in the seat of the cart glued to the screen as her mother peacefully plucks items off the shelf. One aisle over is a massive buggy with a coupe attached.  Mom compares pasta brands while the child quietly entertains himself with the steering wheel and horn of the toy car. 

Granted, supermarkets can be the Petri dishes for misbehavior among young children.  But they are also excellent environments for teaching small children and for parent-child interaction.   

Yet it seems like as parents we are on a quest to do whatever it takes to keep the kids quiet so we can get our stuff done.  Not only does it backfire, it eventually loses its punch.  Children want and need their parents’ attention.

Simply talking about the products you are buying -- the color, the size, the quantity -- are excellent school readiness skills.  Comparing prices, making a menu and reading labels are life skills for youth that are barely touched upon in the schools anymore.  And let us not forget simple conversation that promotes bonding and connection! 

Of course, if a parent really needs to concentrate on his or her shopping and they absolutely must bring their child along to the store, they may want to consider using tools for keeping their child occupied.  Looking for specific items for a special dinner can be frustrating. There are times when diversionary strategies are warranted.  However, it is a real danger when parents focus solely on how to keep their child entertained rather than keeping them engaged.