Image: Pexels
Shopping with children can sometimes feel like a real survival trip. You haven’t even entered yet and it already starts: “Maaam, can I have that? Oh, and that one? Look, I really really want this!” American Jess was so fed up with the endless whining about toys that she came up with something genius.
If it were up to children, your shopping cart would be full of toys in no time that they would probably not care about after one day. A mother now shares the ultimate hack on TikTok. Her solution? Photographing instead of buying.
Take a photo of the toy
The idea is simple. In one TikTok video she explains. Every time her children ‘really want’ something, she picks up her phone and takes a picture of the toy with her children there. She explains that the photo is kept as gift inspiration for their birthday or Christmas, so she doesn’t forget what they really want. Jess explains that she has been using this method for five years now and with success. “No whining, no drama and the children feel heard.”
Also read: Lifehack: this is how you can quickly check whether your child’s toys are choking hazards
Useful list
Jess explains that it is not only a handy hack to prevent angry moods, but that her method also serves as a wish list. “You still have the photos ready.” And yes, that saves a lot of worry when the question arises about what they would like to have for their birthday this year (hint hint: also useful for Sinterklaas).
So, next time you go to the store and the toy drama starts? Click, click, take a photo and you’re done. No tears, no discussions, and your shopping trip remains relaxed.
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Shopping with Kids: The Ultimate Survival Hack
Ah, shopping with children! It’s like trying to navigate through a minefield while someone has thrown inflatable toys everywhere. You haven’t even stepped foot in the store, and it starts: “Maaam, can I have that? Oh, and that one? Look, I really really want this!” You almost expect the store manager to hand you a “Welcome to the Wild Side” badge!
American mother Jess has cracked the code on this exhausting endeavor. Frustrated with the unending requests for toys, she devised a novel solution: taking a photo of the coveted item instead of buying it. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, she dialed into her inner Picasso while shopping!
The Ingenious Hack: Snap and Save
In her viral TikTok video, which I can only assume is now the most-watched shopping tutorial since the dawn of time, she shows how to restore peace and sanity in the aisles. Every time her children spot something they “just can’t live without,” she pulls out her trusty smartphone and snaps a pic, complete with their cute little faces! She promises that these photos serve as gift inspiration for birthdays or Christmas, taking the ‘nag’ out of the equation. “No whining, no drama,” she claims. It sounds magical; one would think she’s discovered Hogwarts for frustrated parents.
Let’s face it: if children had their way, your shopping cart would end up looking like it belonged to a birthday party planner on a sugar high. Instead, Jess turns this wild ride into a neat little organized wish list. You know, like filing taxes but much cuter—and with better snacks!
A Wish List Without the Whining
Jess’ method isn’t just a tool to keep the peace during your shopping spree but doubles as a clever wish list. No more anguished discussions about what your child actually wanted last June while clutching a 12-month-old toy catalog. You can whip out the photos when they ask, “What do I want for my birthday this year?” and—poof!—suddenly you’re a gift-giving superhero.
Next time you’re faced with the dreaded toy drama, don’t go for the wallet; just grab your phone, snap a picture, and let out a sigh of relief. This mother-of-invention hack keeps your shopping trip relaxed and drama-free—like your favourite rom-com but with fewer tears and more Lego bricks!
So there you have it, folks! Armed with just a mobile device and a bit of foresight, you could revolutionize your shopping experience from chaos to calm. Take notes; this could be the best investment you make… all for the price of a memory stick!
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