"Mom, Let's Go Home Now"
Gretchen Ferrao | Feb 02, 2007
You are out to celebrate your six month anniversary. Your sweetie takes you by the hand and asks, "Are you having a good time?"
"Yes, and if only someone would control that hooligan of a kid, I'd be having a great time," you snort with disgust.
The brat has been running around stamping people's feet, tipping over glasses and making dinner hell for you two. And as you dream on, you both know that your kids will never behave this way.
That was five years ago.
"Yes, and if only someone would control that hooligan of a kid, I'd be having a great time," you snort with disgust.
The brat has been running around stamping people's feet, tipping over glasses and making dinner hell for you two. And as you dream on, you both know that your kids will never behave this way.
That was five years ago.
Now you have monsters of your own, and you know for a fact that the parents aren't to blame. Kids just need something to keep busy… all the time. More so when they are surrounded by grownups… like at a mall or a restaurant that doesn't have happy meals.
All you need is a little planning to keep them entertained while you are in a public place.
- Always carry along his favourite toy. It may be a car, a teddy or even that scruffy piece of cloth he fancies. Kids are most happy (and quiet) when they are with their stuff. Just be sure not to carry along a noise maker like a whistle or a gun. The idea is to entertain him not irritate the people around.
- If yours is a creative one, then be sure to grab one of those carry-on activity kits from any bookstore. Get a collection of pocket activity and colouring books with a miniature colouring set to go with it. This is sure to keep your little one busy and out of trouble. It will come in handy on an airplane, at a restaurant and even on those days you have to work from home.
- In case you want to groom the next Einstein, go with a couple of puzzles like a Rubik's cube, puzzle slider, etc. These are for a slightly older child. They are sure to tickle her grey cells and avoid the much dreaded question, "When are we going home?"
- A disposable camera is another idea sure to click with any kid between the ages of three to eight years. Let them play photographer for a day and shoot away. These cameras aren't very expensive. Besides keeping your kid occupied, they encourage creativity.
- Kids are like security monitors… they somehow manage to catch everything that goes on. Use this to your advantage. Play games like "I spy" …you know how it goes don't you? All you have to do is describe something in the area like a clock, a chair, etc. and have them spot and find it. This is fun and will increase their observation skills.
- Remember, there is magic in a packet of Lays, or an Eclairs for that matter. So be sure to always keep a couple of munchies with you. They are lifesavers in difficult situations. A friend of mine recommends cheezlings… the tinier the snack, the more time and effort wasted in picking and eating. And in case you are worried about healthy eating habits, carry a few slices of fruit or a juice.
- Holding kids down while travelling is the biggest challenge. There is nowhere to run, and they get restless easily. While on the bus or train, make up games that will let both you and them enjoy the journey. Get them to count the number of blue cars that go by or the number of taxis. You get the drift… improvise as you go along.
- Once in a while, let technology win. Bring along a video game. It is guaranteed to keep her glued on for hours. Just be sure to keep the volume low or better yet, on mute.
- As a last and absolutely final resort, go with one of those trolley cars at the mall. It may cost Rs.100 odd bucks an hour… but oh! What a blissful 60 minutes.
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