Waiting with Children

Sitting in the doctor's waiting room, with young children, can be challenging.  The doctor provides, sometimes, books and toys.  What do you do if those hold no interest to your children?

Waiting anytime with children is a tough thing to do.  I have three children.  What I do when I have to wait at the doctor's office with my children is provide a small snack.  Cheerios, Goldfish and Raisins are my favorite to give my children.  If a snack does not work, I get down on the floor with my children and make up games we can play.

Getting down on the floor with kids can be  embarrassing.  Other adults look at me as if I am not doing the "Adult" thing.

But when waiting, what is the adult thing to do?  

I think that playing with my children helps with passing the time.  It also stimulates learning.  We sing quietly, "The itsy bitsy spider," or "Where is thumbkin."  Both of those songs teach.  

I, also when waiting, bring a favorite book, this is only if what the doctor has does not work. Reading on the floor quietly to my kids keeps their attention.  The time flies when having these small activities for my children.  This makes going to the doctor's office easier and the wait short.