Everyone with a pair of working eyes or ears has seen or heard it: the battle of the grocery store. The haggard parent remains grim and silent while the child prattles endlessly, begging for everything salty or sugary in sight. Or perhaps the parent utters a quiet line of excuses and explanations in a flat monotone: No, we're not getting that because it's full of sugar. That's not good for you. That's nothing but a salt lick.
A parent at the end of their rope sometimes snaps, and their voice grows louder and, frankly, more annoying than the child. Another parent gets to the last straw and growls in a low threatening voice, while firmly grasping the squirming offender's arm.
Not a very pretty picture. Even for the best of parents, a rare bad trip to the store is to be expected; no one can remain coolly and happily in charge all the time. But here are a few tips for those who find the grocery store terrifying.
