Posted on 01/24/2018
Whether it's at a doctor's office, restaurant, or someplace else, we all know how waiting times can spell disaster for bored or "hangry" kids. You can curb the chances of a meltdown when you plan ahead by having a "bag of tricks" on hand for such waiting times. Since you can't always predict when such waiting times will present themselves, we recommend keeping your "waiting bag" in your vehicle.
Printed Activities
Whether you choose a ready-made activity book or a printed activity or coloring pages, a key is to make sure they're unlike activity pages your child typically uses. If the activity itself lacks novelty, then make the utensils used unique. Here are some fun ideas (all of which can be found on Amazon):
• Erasable Gel Pens
• Rainbow Colored Pencils
• Sparkly Gel Crayons
Game Time
A classic example of reframing, you can easily make any waiting time into game time! Here are a few of our favorite ideas (all of which can be found on Amazon):
• Travel versions of Find-It
• Miniature versions of traditional board games
• Innovative games from Fat Brain Toys
Even simpler games can be constructed with just about anything; make it a challenge for your child to re-create something from simple things in his or her surroundings; for instance, at a restaurant table, tic tac toe could be crafted from utensils, and sugar and other sweetener packets can be used in place of X's and O's.
Sensory Stuff
One part of waiting that can be hard for kids is the "sit still" part. Of course, if a waiting area allows for movement, you've lucked out! But often it doesn't. Sensory toys can provide a way to allow your child a physical outlet for all that pent-up energy and de-stress. You can really use just about anything that allows the hands to move and/or receive sensory input, but here are some good mass-produced options:
• Rubik's Cube toys
• A few Lego blocks with these printable patterns
• Tangle fidget toys
Here are a few you could easily make, on your own:
• Self-contained marble mazes and "Calm Down" Bottles
• Spinner-style fidget toys (YouTube video)
• Beaded fidget
If you don't want to purchase something mass-produced but don't want to make your own, either, there is a third option: you could ask someone else to make it for you or purchase them at craft sales or on Etsy! Here are a few homemade options available from Etsy sellers:
• Tactile balls and other wooden shapes
• Fidget bracelets
• Ready-made de-stressing kit
Follow your kids' cues: some would prefer to have something in their hands that merely provides sensory input (such as the tactile balls), while others desire movement (such as the spinners). Still others are best soothed during waiting times when they feel like they're accomplishing some goal (as in the marble maze or Rubik's Cube).
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