Waiting Room Wiggles
As your CDH child gets older, the more they move. And the more they move, the more they get restless when they cannot run around. Do you get anxious just at the thought of having to go to the doctor's office with your little one just because of having to sit in the waiting room? We all have at some point, but here are some things that have helped other CDH kids make these trips more manageable.
Snacks - I know what you're thinking! No way am I bringing in food so my kid can make a mess that I have to clean up! One trick I have found is having a "waiting room rule" that parents get to hold the snacks at the doctor's office. Not only does this help avoid your little one's tendency to litter the floor with cracker crumbs like the rice throwers on a wedding day, but it helps tether them to you -- no one wants to go too far away from their snacks, adults included. To help pass the time, you can talk about the snack, play games with them, or even hand them out one piece at a time so your child can enjoy it for longer. Because as we all know, the longer a child has a snack, the longer they are happy.
Music - Bringing your own music works great when you are in the appointment room waiting for the doctor. Many waiting rooms have a specific kids section behind a divider where our Tiny Heroes can dance, jump or clap without needing to be shushed after you get a judgmental look from other adults. Try finding YouTube videos of fun dance videos or yoga videos. Kids love it when you get involved, so try doing the fun dances with them if you have the chance. You may feel silly at the moment, especially if the front desk nurses start filming you to put on TikTok… but your kids will be thrilled and will be excited to come back to the waiting room. If your kids are open to it, it might be good to bring some headphones so you can turn up the volume without interrupting others around you.
Special Toys - Having a special toy, or even better, a small bag of toys that you can bring into the office can make it a memorable experience! Only letting your kiddo play with this toy in the waiting room makes it like having a whole new toy every trip! Bonus: Because they don't get to play with it as often, it will also hold their interest longer. Just make sure that it is something that makes the waiting room special. For older kids, that may be activity sheets you can do together or one book you only read together at the doctor’s office. Younger kids can play with fidget toys and busy books. Either way, try to make it special for them -- that can help beat their wiggles and make the doctor's office less scary.
Coloring or Activity Books - For kids that enjoy coloring, bringing a few new coloring books or activity books could be a great way to keep them busy. To reduce mess or need for lots of crayons, check out some Melissa & Doug On the Go Water Wow! or ColorBlast! books.
Playing Games - Games like "I Spy" are great for kids that are learning their colors and shapes. If you have never played "I Spy," each person takes a turn saying, "I spy something that is…. [color/shape/etc.]," and then the other person has to guess what you spy. Point out things you see, look for items on the walls or ceiling. Spot objects that are easy to spot to keep the little ones engaged. You can play the same game for younger kids without them taking a turn. Another good game is "Simon Says," which is played by having one player give a series of commands, usually starting with the words "Simon says." Whoever fails to follow the order when the caller starts with "Simon says" or accidentally follows the command when it is not said, that person is out. Kids love bossing adults around, so this is a particular favorite for many. If you feel crafty, bring some yarn for finger crochet, Cat's Cradle, or other games like that.
Not every trip to the doctor's office will be fun or easy. Hopefully, these ideas will help you and your Tiny Hero at your next appointment. Click Here for a list of items that fellow CDH parents recommend for taking with you!
