Hitting or scolding the crying child usually accentuates the behavior. Preplanning and a little patience and caring can usually stop the negative scene. While shopping, use positive direction and reinforcement such as verbal praise and approval. The check-out counter is a challenge for some families because children want displayed gum or sweets. If this is a problem, ask the store to provide at least one check-out counter without sweets and gum.
Management is glad to meet consumer needs.
Children learn habits from those around them. In the grocery store they learn from what they see adults doing whether the adults intend them to or not, and by what they are allowed to buy. So instead of giving children the task of selecting sweets, involve them in real food and nutrition decisions for the family. By the time children are in grade school, they can prepare many family food items, name the favorite foods of family members, help read the shopping list, read prices from the items, and cross off items as they are put in the cart. As children shop with adults, they learn what foods can be bought in a restaurant, what foods can be made at home, and the cost of foods and services.