How about  planning a visit to the vegetable market with your little one? I am sure that like me, hardly anyone prefers taking their kids to the vegetable market – considering the crowd and dust and chaos.

But have you ever seen this visit from a different perspective – how it can be a different experience, and maybe even a learning ground, for a child? It is not crowded all the time anyway. Just choose the right time – either in the morning hours or early evening – when there are not many people around and the heat is not too harsh !

This is what all you can do:

1. Make her/ him meet and interact with the farmers / sellers – just a little ‘Hi’ or ‘what are you selling’, or ‘how much are the tomatoes’ !! Further, let her/ him even buy some vegetables from them.

2. Kids may see, touch and feel all kinds of vegetables and fruits. We all have our preferences and don’t really buy all the vegetables / fruits available in the market. This is a good place for them to see, touch and observe all kinds of vegetables.

3. Another thing you may do on the way is, tell them the qualities of various vegetables/ fruits you buy.

4.Further, make them observe and experience the selling and buying activity.

5. Let them help you around – let them put the vegetables in the bag, or let them ask the price of a particular item for you. Furthermore, think of anything small they can do for you – its Big for them !!

6. Let him select some items for you. Let them do it even if they pick a rotten one. You can always put it back when they are not looking.If they are totally focused on it, just tell them you don’t need too much of the item.

                                               

7. Another interesting thing which kids can see at a vegetable market is the vehicles – various trucks, tractors, mini- trucks etc. carrying loads of vegetables.

8. If you prefer going during the evening, there are many vendors selling cheap toys, stationary and plastic ware.  You may buy something for kids. We got a McQueen pouch (Rs. 20), small doodle pad (Rs. 10) and an eraser (Rs. 10). I was surprised to find the eraser with a sharpener and a 3-d image on back side. I had no idea that they still made these – it reminded me of my childhood.

9. And just when we were done with our endeavor, the kiddo got hungry !! Hence, we bought bananas – the only thing we didn’t need to wash before eating.

And the excitement on seeing “so many red tomatoes” !!!! You never know what catches the fancy of a child !!

It was a fun trip!! It felt nice to educate my child and introduce him to something new. He seemed very happy with the trip too – a little exhausted, though !!

P.S.: Remember to carry a cold water bottle or a juice to keep your little one hydrated !!

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