DD only interested if there is snacks/something to buy

[vitahelp]

Last week we went away for 3 nights on a 8 hour round trip to visit two major attractions for DD (just turned 7 and only child). The whole trip was very expensive but we were all looking forward to it.

We had an ok time but it dawned on me while we were there that DD is only concerned about what food we can get and what we can buy from gift shops. She rushed us round the attractions so we could get to the cafes/gift shops where she would take her time wandering round and asking for things. I’m happy to let her have a treat but it felt like the primary reason for being there and meant she barely bothered with the attraction itself. It felt like a waste of money £400 in entry tickets) when we could have just gone to the shopping centre in our own city..

I thought by her age she would be past that stage. She is a bit silly for her age but generally well behaved. I’m worried this is our doing, although we are careful not to spoil her and we’re quite strict with unhealthy food/don’t spend a lot on gift shops and often don’t let her get anything.

Anyone else/ is this normal?

Mine like the places we visit (we plan with their input to make sure) and they know that the only time they get anything from the gift shop is when they spend their pocket money buying it.

We are hunter gatherers.
That's why we like cafes and shops.
But there's too much buying and choosing now, so there's no thrill in it. When mine were young I said from the outset, we're not buying anything from the gift shop, but you can have 1 ice cream and go to the playground / climb on the cannon, whatever. There is a lot of pleasure just choosing 1 ice cream from a long list.

Thanks everyone for sharing thoughts and experiences, it helps to hear about other people’s kids. It was Harry Potter world and Legoland - her two favourite things! But I suppose the trouble with Legoland is for a true enthusiast the shop is always going to be the most interesting part since it is where the actual Lego can be found.

Legoland wasn’t actually too bad it was more HP world which became a rush to get to the end..

We’re actually quite strict with both snacks and buying random stuff as we are both minimalist fitness freaks 😂 but we do let her have things as a treat and this seemed like one of those times. I just wish it hadn’t become the whole purpose, but I might be overthinking and forgetting that there were parts of the trip which she enjoyed that didn’t involve food/spending!

@vitahelp my child is like this (similar age) despite us hardly ever getting anything from the gift shop. I very often do food then gift shop first (just to look, not to buy!) and that gets it out their system. Otherwise the whole time it's absolute pestering to go to the gift shop / have a snack. I'm with you, it's exhausting and makes them seem ungrateful!

Mine liked Windsor castle! Plus a trip on the river. We did go to Legoland but DD2 was a bit small for many rides. We just didn’t really like expensive experiences. Harry Potter? Has she read the books at 7? I’d have swerved that. We used to find steam railways, jousting shoes (yes I know!) plays for dc, any “stately home” with entertainment. Worked pretty well!

My guess is that if you are fairly restrictive of treat foods most of the time, and then she’s allowed them on days out like this, that’s creating the problem! If getting a chocolate bar was an every day experience, she wouldn’t be so excited about it. But if she knows today will be one of the rare days she’s allowed it - of course that’s her focus!! Not saying to start giving chocolate every day, but perhaps give the treat at the start to avoid rushing round. I can completely see why she was rushing round in this situation.

Also agree that 7 is far too young for HP studios and I’m not surprised she wasn’t that interested. Legoland is perfect for that age though.

jousting shows!!! Autocorrect!!!