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Waiting. What child likes that word? For that matter, what adult likes to wait? While I don’t particularly like waiting, I can entertain myself thanks to my Kindle. Small children are a little bit harder to please than that. After spending over 8 hours in a waiting room with my 5 year old waiting for her step father to be done with surgery, I’ve learned a thing or two about entertaining a child.
Card Games
Keeping a deck of cards or a game of UNO in your purse is a great idea to keep your child busy. They don’t take up a lot of space but provides tons of entertainment.
Scavenger Hunts
You can have your child go on a “Scavenger Hunt” by hunting for different letters in the waiting room magazines. This works out for when you have to fill out paperwork! You can also do this in grocery stores by looking for the letters on different products. As kids get a little older, try having them find their initials or other small words!
I Spy
What kid doesn’t like I Spy? It requires no planning ahead of time or any supplies. It’s the perfect game to play while passing the time while waiting anywhere.
Make Up Silly Stories
Sometimes, adults just need to let loose and remember how to be a kid. Make up a silly story with your child while waiting.
Coloring
Keep a small notebook in your bag with a pen to entertain your little one while waiting. Most of us carry a small notebook anyways. If you don’t allow your children to use pens often, this is a special treat!
Talking
Take the time while waiting and simply talk to your child. Ask them about their day or what they want to be when they want to grow up. I am often amazed at the stuff I learn about my daughter when I simply talk to her.
Hand/Finger Games
Do you remember playing hand games with your friends at recess? Do you still remember them? Have fun teaching your child the classics. Miss. Mary Mack, Patty Cake, Rock Paper Scissors and secret handshakes are all hand games that are a fun way to pass the time.
Your Phone
When all else fail, your phone always works for entertainment. Download one or two kid friendly educational apps to entertain your child while you are busy talking to the doctor or updating relatives.
To a child, every day is an adventure. Us adults should learn to have that same mindset. It’s hard to wait when there’s so much you want to do. Once you learn how to turn waiting into an adventure for your child, it will turn from an annoyance into something fun. Stop wasting the time you spend waiting in doctor’s offices, in traffic or in line at the grocery store!
What were the things that entertained you while waiting as a child? Do you find that your children like the same things or not?
We loved to draw as kids. My kids loved to read. We’d also make up stories. I would say one sentence and they would add a second. We’d alternate until the story became more and more crazy. A couple were so funny I typed them up and used them as bedtime stories.
That is a great idea! I need to type up our silly stories too. It would be great to add into a photo book!