Survive a Waiting Room with Kids
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Originally Posted 10/31/09
Have you ever found yourself stranded in a physician’s waiting room with a bored child? I sure have. In fact, I recently spent more than an hour waiting to see a specialist for a post-op follow up. Specialist docs typically don’t have waiting rooms that scream fun for kids (unless they’re pediatric specialists and even then it’s doubtful) and they certainly don’t seem to understand what it’s like to entertain a child for such a long period.
Based on my experiences, I put together some tips for preventing a meltdown the next time you head to an appointment with a kiddo in tow.
1. Snag the prime appointment slot. Try planning appointments first thing in the morning or right after lunch. That way you won’t be stuck in a log jam of backups. (Note: many people are wise to this tactic. So it’s not as easy snagging these prime appointments…but it’s still worth a try.)
2. Expect the unexpected. A routine in-and-out appointment can easily turn into an hour in the waiting room. When traveling with small children, it’s a good idea to take the stroller. Even with kid-friendly offices, there are all kinds of new things to see, touch and even taste. (Ewe!) Chasing a toddler for 10 minutes is no big deal, but you’re going to wear yourself out if you’re stuck for anything longer than that.
3. Always take provisions. I’m not a big advocate of pacifying with food. But sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do—especially if the wait runs into snack or meal time. Make sure to have a drink and an easy snack that won’t make too much of a mess. If your little one still has the need, bring your diaper “pod” too (you know, the changing pad, diaper and mini wipes container).
4. Pack a Waiting Room Survival Kit. Don’t be stranded in a waiting room without your Waiting Room Survival Kit. To create a kit, take a simple canvas shopping bag and stock it with napkins, dice, a pad of paper, coloring book, crayons, markers, a few small toys from the Dollar Store, brown paper lunch bags, and an easy pre-packaged craft (check out www.klutz.com or make your own). Keep your Waiting Room Survival Kit in the trunk of your car so you’ll always have it on hand…and remember to update the kit often so the kids don’t get bored with the same activities.
How to use the kit: Kids can decorate the brown paper lunch bags to make puppets and if time drags on, host an impromptu puppet show. If you’re not exactly in the mood to pull out the whole shebang, use markers to dot eyes, a nose and mouth on your kiddo’s finger tips and have him host a mini finger puppet show…A great way to let his imagination run wild.
Napkins have multiple uses. In addition to the obvious use of cleaning up, napkins can also serve as an additional entertainment piece. Wad up a couple and see who can blow them across the table the fastest. Or, poke a few holes in one and use it as a mask. For toddlers, napkins work great for the always-pleasing game of peek-a-boo.
Malia Silversmith, founder of the parenting network Family Spirit Keepers, suggests using dice to play just about any game. She says it’s particularly good for older kids who can roll along too by practicing addition, seeing who rolls highest, playing war, etc.
5. Take a New twist on an old favorite. Forgot your Waiting Room Survival Kit…or not quite organized enough to have one in the first place? No worries. Grab a magazine and play “I Spy”. Find a page with lots of graphics and let your little one find the item you pick. Then let him chose an item for you to find.
Or play the waiting room version of hide and seek. Hide one of your child’s toys somewhere in the room and use “you’re hot” or “you’re cold” hints till he finds it. Take turns hiding and finding.
6. Invest in a smart phone (iPhone, Blackberry, etc.) for instant entertainment. Most smart phones start at about $100 (at upgrade time) and you can use these devices as portable movie players, a sketch pad, game central, music player and more. If you can think of an activity, there’s an app for it.
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