How to Control Impulse Buying in Children...and Adults

I've taught my children to avoid impulse buying. Unfortunately. Let me explain.

When I *must* take the 3, 5, and/or 7 year old to the store with me to pick up a few items (NEVER for full blown grocery shopping), I have them repeat the shopping list back to me. It goes something like this:

I say, "We are ONLY buying eggs, milk, and bread today. What are we buying?"

They repeat, "EGGS, MILK, and BREAD!"

I ask, "Are we buying gum?"

They shout, "No!"

I ask, "Are we buying candy?"

They gleefully shout even louder, "No!" (Kids love games, you know.)

I ask, "What are we buying?"

They repeat, "EGGS, MILK, and BREAD!"

A few days ago we went to Sam's Club. I informed the three girls about the shopping list items and went through the whole routine. Once inside, I saw that there was a roadshow for Demure make-up. I got a makeover. The kits were a great deal. I put one in my cart. That's when my 5 year old looked at me with sincere disapproval and said, "Mommy, that isn't on the list."

Now I don't have any fancy make up.

And that, my friends, is how you control your impulse buying.