Keeping Kids Occupied at an Auction

These days, one of the best ways to stretch your dollars is to attend local auctions. If you are disciplined enough not to bid on every "bargain" you see, you can pick up items you need for pennies on the dollar. It goes without saying that if you have kids, they will have to attend the auction with you. How do you keep them occupied while you attend the auction, so that you can concentrate on the items coming up for bid for a few uninterrupted hours? I have a few tips that I've seen people use in the past that might work for you.

Keeping Kids Occupied at Auction tip #1: Bring healthy snacks for the kids to munch on. You could be at auction 3 or 4 hours or more. Don't give the little ones any excuse to get cranky and fussy because they become hungry. Even if an auction has a concession stand, it is alright to bring your own food. Especially in this economy, the auctioneer and staff will understand. They will also appreciate your attempt to keep the kids quiet so everyone can focus on the auction!

Keeping Kids Occupied at Auction tip #2: Let your child bring his or her electronic games, ipods. If you are lucky enough to still have a child that reads, colors, draws, or does crosswords or other printed media puzzles, encourage them to bring along the items to do these activities.

Keeping Kids Occupied at Auction tip #3: If your kids are old enough to pay attention to the auctioneer, encourage them to play the auction alphabet game. This game can be played alone or as a competition. Have the kids write down the entire alphabet on a sheet of paper, allowing one line for each letter. The object of the game is for the kids to try to go through the alphabet from a to z, writing down items that begin with each letter, as they come up for bid.They don't have to do this in order, just be the first one to get one of every item from a to z.

There are many variations of the auction alphabet game. You could have your kids just try to write down 10 items that come up for bid beginning with the letter "T". Or, have your child write down his or her name. Each time an item comes up for bid that begins with one of the letters in his or her name, have your child write it down. The possibilities are endless!

Keeping Kids Occupied at Auction tip #4: If the auction is held outside, and your kids are old enough, lucky you! Instruct your kids to stay where they can see you and shout so you can hear them if any trouble arises, and let them romp around a bit! Of course, you don't want them in the auctioneer's way or around the items going up for bid. There is nothing wrong, however, with playing a game of Twister, Simon Says, or getting some exercise by jumping rope or doing jumping jacks. Don't allow them to play games like Hide and Seek or Tag, as you want them in eyesight at all times and running around could disrupt the auction.

If the kids get antsy at an inside auction, use your discretion. Although they will not be able to play games, they might be able to take a walk around and stretch, as long as you can see them at all times. Remember, you don't want them out of your sight, because you never know what type of people are attending the auction! If they have to go to the bathroom, always escort the younger ones! Also, never let them leave the building without supervision.

Keeping Kids Occupied at Auction tip #5: Bring a pillow and a small blanket or throw. If you are determined to bid on that last item in the auction, the night could be dragging on, and the kids could be getting tired. Oftentimes, the crowd clears out enough by this time, that there will be rows of empty seats near you. Allow your child to lie down, if he or she wants. Younger children can often just curl up next to you with their heads on the pillow in your lap.

Hopefully, these tips for keeping the kids occupied at auction will help you get more enjoyment out of your auction experience!

Source: Personal Experience