Supermarkets can be exciting places for small children. But the frustration of not being allowed to reach out and touch all those colourful things can lead to emotional overload. So how do you cope?

Try to avoid items you don't want them to have, like sweets and biscuits

To feel strong and calm you may need to work at managing your own stress levels. Make sure you give yourself time to take a break and relax sometimes: burning some oils or incense; taking a nice pampering bath or sitting down with a cuppa to watch your favourite TV programme will give you a chance to recharge batteries

Look out for what they may have eaten. Too many sugary foods or drinks can lead to hyperactivity in children

Have a snack or drink ready to hand. They may genuinely be hungry or thirsty

Shopping can be stressful for a parent at the best of times. Check out your own stress levels and try to go shopping when you are feeling strong and calm (and have eaten something yourself)

Get the children involved. It may take a little longer but you could get them involved in counting fruit and vegetables into bags. This might be more useful with pre-school children. As a bonus it will help them with their learning too

Not giving in to demands, and remaining calm, can help to prevent temper tantrums in the future

You can try counting to ten, either to yourself or with your child in a calm, clear voice. This may give you an opportunity to cool down and it may give your child a signal that their behaviour is not acceptable, as well as a chance for them to calm down too

You keeping calm will show your child that anger can be managed

Try to avoid worrying what other shoppers think of you and your child. Most people who have had children will understand what you're going through

If possible find a quieter place to go in the supermarket, away from stares, so you can talk to your child

Acknowledge your child's feelings — anger can be frightening

Tantrums can happen anywhere at anytime but if the supermarket is a particular trigger for you and your child, you see if a you could leave your child with a friend or family member and go alone

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