At its best, going to the mall can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience, one where you have a chance to browse at your leisure, relax in the food court and sip a cup of cappuccino, and people-watch to your heart's content. Once your kids enter the picture, though, your leisurely shopping experience can turn into a race against the clock, with you dashing in and out of mall stores before your toddler throws a tantrum or your pre-teen sulks in embarrassment at her mom's poor taste.

The pressure you feel increases exponentially when you're trying to find bargains and deals. You need time to search for the discount you want, and the distractions from your kids can keep you from finding those bargains on shoes or the deals on gifts.

When your kids are with you, your shopping mall experience doesn't have to be bedlam. Here are a few tips to keep them occupied while you cruise the mall for the discount you're looking for.

Under 6 years old: When you're going to the mall with preschoolers, the key is to shop early and to keep the trip short. Tired kids are cranky kids, so it's best to take them to the mall when they're happy and alert. If possible, keep your preschooler in a stroller so he won't wander off and you can concentrate on finding the bargains you need. Keep a special stash of toys in a box at home, and bring them with you so he can play while you shop. The novelty of playing with special toys will keep him occupied. Promise him a reward - riding the merry-go-round at the mall, for example - if he behaves while you're at the mall.

Six to 10 years old: Kids who are a little older can better understand rewards for good behavior, so offer something tangible (lunch at the food court) or intangible (two hours of uninterrupted one-on-one time) in exchange for good behavior. When you're looking for deals, you need to concentrate, so be sure your child has something to do. There's no shame in letting your son bring his GameBoy Advance into the store, parking him where he's in your line of vision, and letting him play his game while you shop.

Eleven and older: Tweens and teens have their own ideas about what's fun and cool. Ask yours to invite a friend to the mall, and then allow them to roam the store on their own. Be sure that the tweens don't get too far away, but give them their space. They'll be grateful and you'll have the time you need to look for those deals.

These strategies are great for malls, but they also work if you're going to a flea market or street fair.

Of course, there's another option for finding great deals, and you don't have to bring the kids along. Let your fingers do the clicking and find an Internet shopping mall. An Internet mall has virtually everything that a brick and mortar mall has, and frequently offers everything from clothing to gifts at near-wholesale prices. With an Internet shopping mall, you don't have to dress up, you don't have to find a parking place and - best of all - you don't have to worry about the kids.