Note to self: The next time the very friendly, kind and helpful pediatric nurse suggests scheduling flu shots at 6:50 pm because the crowd will all be gone by then--don't fall for it! The great thing was that it was at least late enough that Daddy could accompany me and help with the entertainment required to keep my trio from climbing the walls (and literally attempting to swing on the blinds) as we waited and waited. Although I have plenty of experience, taking three for shots solo is never fun! There is the whole issue of what order to do them in, whether or not to let them watch or evacuate them to another room and how to comfort them each appropriately without losing our momentum. Thank goodness for the terrific nurses!
This trip was also a bit more emotionally challenging because the children are clearly old enough to understand why we were there--and K, in particular, got very quiet and withdrawn as she pondered what was coming. I couldn't help but giggle that R who is ALWAYS jockeying to be first in every endeavor reminded me at least 10 times that he was third tonight. All in all, they were absolute champs.
I think I dread the pediatrician's office more than the children because it tests the endurance of my creativity. In addition to the time we spend restlessly waiting, I am generally trying to keep my kiddos somewhat corralled to avoid the endless kid germs lurking all over that office thanks to the hundreds of children who come through each day. It should also be noted that my last three visits to the pediatrician's office have each taken 2 hours or more. As a matter of fact, a friend of mine suggested I publish my exam room game ideas--as I seem to have developed a plethora of them in the last couple of years.
Using crayons on the white paper covering the exam table is a family favorite--although I do have to divide the space into thirds to insure everyone is clear about where their canvas ends and a sibling's begins. This can also be used for tic-tac-toe, practicing reading, writing and spelling--and my personal favorite "Mama, draw me a ...." If you could only see how I draw you would appreciate my sarcasm. The trouble with this one is that when the space runs out (and it tends to when you have an extended wait) you have to move on to other things.
We like Simon Says, Mother May I and I Spy--and last month my children even decided to try to play hide and seek in an 8X8 room. I have also been known to have a dance party in the room where we all try to come up with the silliest dance we can.
I don't like to take much with us because of the germ factor, so I am curious...anyone else have any great waiting games?
9 comments:
My waiting games include chasing them back in the room b/c they keep leaving. Haha. Also, curious about whether they can have the flumist instead. That went over much better with my 3 year old.
i agree w/michelle about the flu mist...much less scary. plus it goes into affect more quickly, covers more strains and gives immunity for 12-15 months. can you tell i'm a huge mist fan?
as for waits in general, i like all of your ideas. i don't think i'm that creative. i just always try to get the first appt in the morning or the first one after lunch.
Usually I take a new stack of library books and we all dive in. (Or books you haven't read in a while.) Typically, I am holding them and reading. (containment ;) Of course, I "only" have two on one when I am by myself.
God Bless!
Ah, yes, three kids getting flu shots. Just did this a couple of weeks ago. I got one for myself, too, though, and wanting to show them that it was no big deal (and because the kids insisted), I went first. Of course, mine was the only shot that for some reason BLED so much that as the nurse was turning to get a bandaid, the blood literally dripped past my elbow! Yeah, that helped prepare my kids a lot.
As to your question, one of our favorites it thinking of things that start with the letters of the alphabet: foods from A-Z, animals from A-Z . . . or just how many words can we think of that start with ____. Another us "going on a picnic" where you have to repeat what everyone before you said and add your own. (This is especially funny with my 2 y/o who doesn't get the concept at all but INSISTS on having her turn wherein she rattles off 5-10 random and unrelated things she would take on her picnic.
We draw on the exam room paper, too! :)
I have been lurking here for a while so I figured I would finally say hello. I am amazed at how you do it with three all the same age!! I love your ideas and will keep them in mind!
We do color on the paper also. 2 others-- we choose a square to play shoe toss- HA, our peds tiles are black and white so we just slip a shoe off, chose a square and take turns trying to get the shoe to stay in the appointed square, not as easy as you think. We have also gotten a little black cone thing that they use on the ear examining scope and balance it on vaious parts of our bodies while walking across the room- nose, hand, etc. This is quite entertaining, I don't do it everytime because I know those cost money. My pediatrican sometimes tells me I look tired-- I want to say it is from waiting with a 5, 3, and 1 year old in his office!!!! It is no easy task.
Our family doctor has pictures has "patient art" all over his exam room walls, so my kids used to love to spend their time drawing and coloring a picture to be displayed. Just a few months ago, my 14-year-old daughter did a picture of our school mascot because there was one of a rival team on the wall (actually the town our doctor is in) and she couldn't let that go unchallenged.
We also played "telephone"- whisper something to one child and they whisper it to the next....
J mom,
our doc is so fast, there is no waiting......I think we waited for 5 mins in the waiting room, but as soon as they called our names, we were in there up on the table and bam! Porter didnt even know what hit him and he didnt cry. Abbey cried for a split second. Now next year might be different as they will be more aware....so I will take library books and draw on the paper!!!! (thanks for the ideas)
Always a reader!
Shannon in Austin
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