10 Ways to Keep Your Kids Entertained in Waiting Rooms

It’s a common problem for all parents. You’re in a waiting room or quiet area and your children are fidgeting, making noise and being a distraction for those around you. It’s not uncommon because children area eager to learn and are constantly seeking stimulation. With this in mind, there are several ways to keep your children entertained. From older techniques to relying on new technology, your children will be well-behaved as they learn and stay focused on anything except for how bored they are!

Here are 10 techniques to help you entertain your active children:

1. Read. It may sound crazy but when you find the right book—especially for children who can read on their own—the power of a story can keep children entertained for hours. If they aren’t of reading age, consider book on tape that you can purchase and transfer to an inexpensive mp3 player. Children love to feel ownership, so having their very own media player may be just the trick to keep them entertained and excited.
2. Card games. Bring along card games or other simple travel games for the waiting room. Many children’s games are very simple and portable. For example, you may find a simple game of matching cards to be just enough to keep your children entertained.
3. Other games. Have you ever played “20 questions” or “I spy” with your young child? Not only will these games keep them entertained, they can be a great learning tool for your young child. Ask your children to talk and engage with you.
4. Drawing and/or coloring. You’d be amazed with a plain piece of paper and a pen and/or crayons will do for a creative child. Children are naturally creative and giving them the opportunity to create their own masterpiece can keep them entertained for quite some time. Remember, it’s important to reward their creativity by admiring their work and displaying it proudly. The more you encourage this type of creativity, the more likely they will be to want to engage this this activity in the future.
5. Applications and games. Today, smart phones allow us to connect at rates that are astonishing. Although we think of these phones as ways for adults to communicate, there are many games and applications that are designed to keep children of all ages entertained. From Fruit Ninja to Angry Birds, children love to have something to interact with. Download these inexpensive games and keep your children entertained for hours.
6. Stuffed animals and action figures. Children have unbelievable creative minds. Allow their imaginations to run wild with simple toys. The trick is to really engage with your children and ask them questions. Make them know that you are interested and they will stay excited about nearly any activity.
7. Online television. Whether you have a portable television or a smartphone application, try streaming children’s television shows via your smartphone. Services like Comcast allow you to stream movies instantly, for example.
8. Ask your children to tell you a story. You’d be amazed how entertained your children will be making up a story of their own.
9. Homework. Yes, we had to throw this one in there. Children of school-going ages likely have a lot of work to do. The waiting room is a perfect, quiet place for them to get a leg up and ask you questions on homework assignments.
10. Learning. Yes, you’d be surprised what you can teach your children when you have designated alone time. Whether it is at home or in the waiting room, try to capitalize on these moments when you can connect with your child and ask them engaging questions.

Do you have any of your own ideas to share on how to keep the little ones entertained while waiting?

Guest post: Kara Taylor is a freelance writer and a big fan of internet on the go