31 Days :: Keep ‘Em Busy

So, if you have children, you know that there are moments that you wish you had something to keep them busy, like…

Waiting for your food at a restaurant.
Waiting at an appointment.
Waiting for an oil change.
A long car ride.
Unexpected stop.
Etc, etc, etc…

And though we want to teach our kids patience and how to behave, sometimes circumstances are not ideal, and there is an opportunity for learning or just a little fun!

A friend of mine shared an idea that she came up with while waiting for a meal.

She picked up a pack of “Grow Capsules” … do you know what I’m talking about???  Those little sponge thingies that grow when put in water.  You can pick them up at Target or the dollar store…

So, just ask your server for a warm glass of water and let them go to town!
You can even just throw a few of them in your purse, and always have them with you.

I’ve come across several blog posts about making Busy-Boxes for times like these.

One suggests getting a little plastic carrying box, letting your child decorate the outside with stickers, etc, and then filling it with busy-hand stuff!

There are plenty of little things to include in there…

A container of play doh.
Crayons and little coloring book.
Paper dolls.
Little race cars.

Just check out the dollar store, the dollar and party sections at Target, etc.

If you want to get really fancy,
you could make a bag like this:
via Hideous Dreadful Stinky

or a coloring bag like this:
via 733blog

or a super snazzy travel busy bag like this:
via Prudent Baby

Here’s a great post on ideas for a box specifically for long road trips!
via Play Dr Mom

Do you have any pointers in keeping little hand out of trouble while waiting?!