Awesome Ideas to Entertain Kids When You're Stuck Waiting

We have all been there; stuck in the line that isn't moving. It is one thing to be in the grocery store, it is another thing entirely to wait 2 hours in a line at Disney World. I mean, there are only so many games of "I Spy Something...Red!" an adult can play. And let's face it, "The Quiet Game" just isn't memorable. (Though, I do love the "Quiet Game.") So, next time you find yourself thinking, "Dear God, let it end..." in the line that won't die, or in the Doctor's office (for the Doctor that clearly has no sense of urgency) try one of these great ideas to pass the time, not just for them, but for you, too!

Don't say "Cheese": Say Shadow!

When you find yourself waiting eternally, notice the direction of the lighting around you. What you are looking for is the perfect place to make a hand shadow, or any shadow for that matter. Encourage the kids to make shadows with their hands or body that look like something...anything! Start with the bunny fingers, then move to a butterfly so they get the drift. Then, turn your body in to a turtle...or whatever you can to keep their mind off the wait.

To make it even more fun, photograph it. Most everyone has a camera in "long line" scenarios - like an amusement park. If not, someone in your party probably has a camera phone. Give the picture flavor by not only capturing the shadow, but the ridiculous conforming posture one might take to make the shadow! These pictures can be the best of memories...just waiting.

Show me Emotion

Another great camera stunt to kill time is getting kids to display emotion. After all, some of the best pictures capture emotion. And this is certainly easy enough to start off while waiting. Simply say to the kids, "Hey guys...show me with your face how you feel about the waiting." Obviously, you are trying to get an expression. You may have to give them an example to get them thinking. Encourage them to lift spirits. Tell them their expression is so funny and offer to take their picture. Zoom in on those crazy faces.

Then...continue with, "Okay, what about mad. Can you show me MAD?" You got it now. Use every emotion you can think of. In no time, everyone will be laughing. (If you really want to get them going say, "Show me what your Dad looks like when...." Or "What does your grandma look like when...." Kids can really nail it. And if you prod them just right...you will find yourself lost in the moment and a little disappointed when the wait is over (okay, just a little.) At least you have something to show for it; priceless expressions captured on film!

Slapstick Stunts

Okay, this requires a little more space. But once when we were waiting for a bus a Disney (which was lost in some kind of time warp) my 11 year old son decided he wanted to make a "Funniest Home Video" - except "staged." I played along, but it turned into one of the best memories (and videos) of our trip. First, him walking along acting like he didn't see the trashcan...then bumping into it and falling. Then, him trying to a flip on the rail "unsuccessfully." The films were ridiculously stupid, but that is what made them so great. They totally humiliate him now that he is older. I encourage you, coerce your kids into creating slapstick with your video phone, or camera. It may take a while to brainstorm, but what they hey? You are waiting anyway, take your time!

Calm with Education

That last activity was a little rowdy. If you are trying to calm kids down, the last thing you want to do is rev them up (but hey, sometimes a wait can make you slap happy!) The educational approach is a lot more quiet and totally works. (Why children loved to get quizzed on things is totally beyond me!) But, the truth is, Kids love to show off what they know or remember. Tell them you are going to ask them 10 questions about things that happened today, to see if they noticed. Make the questions up. For example, "When we parked, what was the color of the car next to us?" Depending on age, you can make it a lot easier. But it generally will hold even a small child's attention 10 questions at a time. Praise them for their score. Then say, "Want to play again?" Remembering things yourself and putting it into a question requires a little brainwork...and that can help pass the time!

Wherever you are, or however long you wait, just know...you are never alone! But there is no sense in losing cool, or teaching your kids to lose their cool by example. Enjoy the moment, sit back, relax...and make a memory. After all, there is no time like the present...even as you wait.