Even as our lives become increasingly busier, there will always
be times when we simply have to wait. We wait in line at the
store; we sit in the waiting room for medical appointments; we
ride for long periods in the car, bus or plane. When you are
waiting with a small child or children, a very short time can
seem like hours. Rather than dreading the wait, take advantage
of this little gift of time in your day. • Start by being
prepared. If there is a chance you will be spending any length
of time waiting, have a small snack ready to serve if needed. As
well, keep an age-appropriate activity on hand, such as a little
board book, some crayons and a pad of paper or a container of
play dough. Keep your child’s interest by changing these toys
each time you go out. • Explore your surroundings. Carry your
baby around a waiting room and look at the pictures on the
walls. Talk with him about the colours, shapes and objects you
see. Play guessing games with your toddler or preschooler. “Can
you find something in the r