Just wanted to share a great story with you. I was at a doctor’s appointment the other day when I noticed a family waiting for one of the parents to be called. The mom was called in and the dad sat there for a moment looking at these 2 very young and rambunctious kids.
I looked over and noticed he didn’t have a backpack or any books with him to distract them. He tried to get them to site and just chat but that lasted about 10 seconds. After another 10 seconds, the dad stood up and said “Ok, you two come and let me tie your sneakers. You have too much energy for this room…we’re taking a walk.”
Even had he come prepared with books and other distraction toys, that was one excellent dad move!
Sometimes kids can’t be contained in places you think they can be. Waiting rooms are called that because the are places of waiting. The one thing we know for sure is kids don’t do waiting well, at any age, but especially when young.
If I can offer you one word of advice…leave young kids home if you can when you have a doctor’s appointment. If you can’t and come with an ally such as your spouse or friend, remember this story and be willing to take the kids out of the waiting room. They are just being kids…looking to explore and have fun…if plan A fails, improvise and just walk.
Great move on the dad's part. A good reminder to all of us that kids are, well, kids and we have to set our expectations appropriately. Yes, waiting patiently is important but so is recognizing that a little fresh air and getting energy out is too.
Very good call on this dad's part. I agree that there is nothing worse than a child going nuts in a waiting room, but you can't blame them!