In my prior two articles I provided a variety of gross and fine motor skills you can do with your child while waiting for basically anything - a plane flight, a doctor's visit, the supermarket line, or any line that never seems to end. Whose patience will run out first - you or your child's? I'm certain that most of your children will be able to stand or sit quietly wherever you are until you get to the front of the line. NOT.
Now I know what many of you are thinking - what if we're somewhere that is just not practical to develop the motor skills. For example, it's not easy to be standing on one foot if I'm driving and my child is in the back seat. Yep, but I love a challenge. In this article I discuss a different kind of development exercises for your child - not of the arms, legs, fingers and toes, but skills which develop cognitive abilities. And to do them, you can be anywhere at any time.
1. Mind games can keep boredom away as well as physical activity. Even small children can follow an adjusted version of "I Spy". Just be sure that the clues are age appropriate and not too tricky. Look for easy to spot shapes, bright colors, or unique characteristics (animals, common objects such as pencils, etc.). Remember to let them give you the clues, too, to really work their brains. Finding an object is different than coming up with a clue for an object.
2. Once your child is a little older, around 4 years or so, theme games can be played. A favorite of my kids is the animal game. "I Spy" - like clues can be given, but your child must rely on their memory and knowledge of animals instead of looking for pictures or representations of them. These types of games are great for long car rides, and you can make them more challenging, as your children get older. Go in order through the alphabet…"I have a long nose and tongue" = Aardvark (or anteater, both will work in this case); "I'm totally white and live in the cold" = Beluga whale. Get it?
3. READ, READ, READ. Reading to your child, no matter how young, increases their vocabulary, imagination, and overall cognitive abilities. Hearing language creates synapses - the connection of brain cells. Most of us parents think that reading at bedtime is sufficient. And while bedtime stories create a wonderful bonding time between parent and child, so can reading a story with your child snuggled on your lap in a waiting room. Granted, you can't be expected to tote a small library around with you at all times. But if you know your day will include a little waiting time, why not pop your child's favorite book in the day bag. Or maybe a story you haven't yet read to them? Or take advantage of digital children's books that can be downloaded to your cell phone or iPod? These digital books can do double duty, as oftentimes they are books that are enhanced with narration (sometimes even music and sound effects are added), so your little one can hear the book as they see the words on your phone or iPod screen.
So the next time you find yourself exasperated trying to tame the savage beast that is a toddler with nothing to do, try a few of these tips. Not all of them will work at all times or in every situation. But hopefully if nothing else, it will spark your creativity to engage your child and use your waiting time as teaching time. For there is no better teacher for a child than his or her own parent. Good luck!!!
Now I know what many of you are thinking - what if we're somewhere that is just not practical to develop the motor skills. For example, it's not easy to be standing on one foot if I'm driving and my child is in the back seat. Yep, but I love a challenge. In this article I discuss a different kind of development exercises for your child - not of the arms, legs, fingers and toes, but skills which develop cognitive abilities. And to do them, you can be anywhere at any time.
1. Mind games can keep boredom away as well as physical activity. Even small children can follow an adjusted version of "I Spy". Just be sure that the clues are age appropriate and not too tricky. Look for easy to spot shapes, bright colors, or unique characteristics (animals, common objects such as pencils, etc.). Remember to let them give you the clues, too, to really work their brains. Finding an object is different than coming up with a clue for an object.
2. Once your child is a little older, around 4 years or so, theme games can be played. A favorite of my kids is the animal game. "I Spy" - like clues can be given, but your child must rely on their memory and knowledge of animals instead of looking for pictures or representations of them. These types of games are great for long car rides, and you can make them more challenging, as your children get older. Go in order through the alphabet…"I have a long nose and tongue" = Aardvark (or anteater, both will work in this case); "I'm totally white and live in the cold" = Beluga whale. Get it?
3. READ, READ, READ. Reading to your child, no matter how young, increases their vocabulary, imagination, and overall cognitive abilities. Hearing language creates synapses - the connection of brain cells. Most of us parents think that reading at bedtime is sufficient. And while bedtime stories create a wonderful bonding time between parent and child, so can reading a story with your child snuggled on your lap in a waiting room. Granted, you can't be expected to tote a small library around with you at all times. But if you know your day will include a little waiting time, why not pop your child's favorite book in the day bag. Or maybe a story you haven't yet read to them? Or take advantage of digital children's books that can be downloaded to your cell phone or iPod? These digital books can do double duty, as oftentimes they are books that are enhanced with narration (sometimes even music and sound effects are added), so your little one can hear the book as they see the words on your phone or iPod screen.
So the next time you find yourself exasperated trying to tame the savage beast that is a toddler with nothing to do, try a few of these tips. Not all of them will work at all times or in every situation. But hopefully if nothing else, it will spark your creativity to engage your child and use your waiting time as teaching time. For there is no better teacher for a child than his or her own parent. Good luck!!!