Cheryl R. answered • 02/10/21
Dr. Cheryl tutors Psychology, Writing, Statistics, test prep and more!
Indeed, advertising is compelling for children. Colorful boxes with cartoonish characters on the front, and games on the box or a toy inside are made especially to appeal to children. Food suppliers will continue to use these attractive advertising methods that appeal to children when packaging their products. Apart from not carrying these products, food stores are sometimes at odds with parents who want to buy their child the product they want. These products are even placed on lower shelves to be at the same level as the children when they are walking or riding in the carts. Solutions cannot be placed entirely in the hands of the grocery store. At most, these products can be placed on higher shelves. Instead, the problem lies most heavily with the parents or caregivers.
Similar to the children, parents often look for the best looking packaging when selecting toddler foods. Instead of looking at exterior packaging, parents should look at nutritional value. Parents should attempt to give a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, and grains to their children, so they do not develop aversions to different foods. The child will be more likely to seek foods that appeal to different senses, not just the visual appeal of the packaging. Children who are not raised eating candy will not demand candy in the store. Other items not frequently eaten in the home will be less likely to appeal to the child in the store.
Lastly, some parents do not take their children to the store if tantrums and begging occur in the aisles. Assign one parent to shop for groceries, and leave the other one home with the child. Parents can trade responsibilities weekly, or once or twice a month. Make the time alone with the child special by planning a fun activity, just the two of you. The child will appreciate the attention more than the trip to the store.
