Create Good Vibes

Let's face it: Toddlers and shopping malls go together about as well as mom jeans and stilettos. Shopping with little kids in tow often isn't pretty -- especially during the busy holiday season -- but sometimes it's unavoidable. Take heart: By following these before- and during-the-trip tips, you can survive shopping with your kids and keep your sanity -- and your kiddo's spirit -- intact.

Create Good Vibes
Miffed about having to bring the kids along? Dreading the ordeal entirely? Change your attitude, mama! Try to keep that negativity under wraps, because little people are wired with huge anxiety detectors. "You think your mission is to get the shopping done. But the key is keeping them busy and happy," says Karen Hoxmeier, a mom of three and founder of MyBargainBuddy, a company that compiles retail discount codes and online promotions. "You have to surrender to the fact that if you don't make the outing seem fun for your child, you're doomed."