Where Does This Go?

Tell your child exactly what you’re going to get in the store and that you’re not going to buy anything else. Then ask him if he wants to play the “Where Does This Go?” game. As you’re walking through the store, your child can pick up to three items to hold during the shopping trip—make it clear from the outset that these are not items to keep. When you’ve finished your shopping, tell your child, “Now we need to see how fast we can put these things back—do you remember where they went? Ready, set, GO!” Count the seconds and keep track of the time it takes for him to direct you to the appropriate location. Remember the time for future shopping trips, and challenge your child to beat his old time. Reward him for having successfully returned the items each time, with the honor of paying the clerk or receiving a sticker or a snack.