Chef Uncovered: The Grocery Store Games

For some folks, stepping into a grocery store can be overwhelming, scary and confusing. Adding a toddler to the mix can make the trip extremely stressful, too.

To me, it’s like going to the candy store. Checking out the newest products, the beautiful produce and the fresh meats and seafood gets my creative juices flowing.

You can find me at my local Cub, Kowalski’s and Co-op at least 2 times a week with my 2 year old son, Logan in tow.

How do I keep my sanity?

Welcome to the Grocery Store Games!

The first event is the “What’s That Called?” game.

I play this game with Logan and he gets the gold every time! Walk through the produce department and have your children identify the fruit or vegetables you find for them. This not only keeps them busy while you shop, it teaches your child about the wide variety of foods available. Have them pick a new one each time to bring home and cook. Logan’s latest favorite, Kiwi fruit!

The second event is the “How Many?” game. I will grab a package of meat, vegetables or baked goods and have Logan practice counting the items. For older children, have them do math problems with the items as visual tools.

The final event is not soup can bowling as rumored, it’s “Find the Color.”

Going through the final aisles, point out items and have your child name the color. For older ones, play a game of eye spy. Logan is not really good with colors yet, as he calls everything blue most of the time. It is a great way to teach him about colors still.

Trying out some of these “games” can hopefully lower your stress level at the grocery store when shopping with children. Luckily, I have had only one meltdown with Logan and it was because they had no free cookies left at Cub!

Be sure to check out next week’s edition of Chef Uncovered for a more in depth look at how to shop like a Chef.

(Taylor Kneubuhler is a Professional Chef and Chef Consultant from Stillwater, MN.  He can be reached at taylorkneubuhler@gmail.com)