Taking any child to Walmart is problematic. Walmart is set up to make you want to throw things into a cart and then try to escape. For a child who gets overstimulated Walmart is even more difficult. If you are lucky, you can avoid going to Walmart with or without your child but sometimes, life is going to require that you take your child to an environment that is over stimulating.

Walmart is a perfect example of one of those overstimulating places and add the holidays to the mix and you have the perfect storm for a meltdown. Here are some ideas to help you get through the shopping experience. Please comment with your ideas so we can all enjoy the holidays.

Unfortunately, success means some upfront prevention. If you suddenly decide to go to Walmart and have not done any preparation, own your decision, get in and get out, with a smile on your face and a few items that you got for your child that you didn’t want to buy.

But if you have time to prepare try this.

1. Visual Aids - get some pictures online of Walmart, the aisles, the checkout, etc. Walk your child through the process using pictures. Practice covering your ears (head set), closing your eyes (sun glasses), or keeping your head down (hoodie) to reduce the stimulation.
2. The List – make a list and show it to your child. Go over each item and then stick to the list. This will stop the confusion that you get to put anything in your cart that you want. This also means you can’t put things in your cart that are not on the list.
3. Get Help – there is always someone at Walmart that actually knows where things are. For example, there is a guy named Steve in sporting goods at the Moscow, Idaho Walmart who knows where everything is in the store. When I shop there, I first go to Steve. I show him my list and ask him to help me find these things. Zipping through the store, he locates every item in a logical pattern and I am out of there in record time. There is no way you can look for items and keep your eye on your child’s emotional state so getting help is important. Also rushing after Steve prevents me from getting distracted.
4. The Sound – there is a good chance that holiday music will be playing in the any store in November and December. Play the music at home and listen to it with your child. Pretend to make announcements that interrupt the music so that your child knows what that sounds like.
5. You may have to resort to food, toys, or a favorite video. One mom always had to buy the same video, even though they had one at home (also works for a favorite toy). So she bought it, let her child carry it, and then once they were home she took out their video (or the toy) and returned the new one to Walmart the next time she went. You can get that favorite snack at the store and let your child eat it while you shop. You can pay for it at the counter – just save the wrapper.
6. YIKES!!! If your child has a meltdown, and you really need your items, look for a store employee. Ask them to get the store manager. Give your cart and your credit card to the store manager and ask them to take your items to checkout. Have them leave your cart in the service center and return your card to you. Once your child calms down and is ready to go, go to the service center and ask someone to follow you out with your cart.  You will be surprised how willing people are to help if you give them specific instructions on how to help you.