I have a very active four year old. She always complains that things “are taking too long” once we feels the pang of boredom, which is quite often. However, I am always on the run with my other kids. I have to run to soccer, swimming, homeschool co-op meetings, doctor appointments, just to name a few. Most of these activities and appointments require waiting for a four year old. If you are a parent of a four year old then you know that waiting is not so easy. So how can you make waiting a quiet activity and not stressful for you or your child?
The solution that has worked for me is packing an activity bag. An activity bag is a simple tote bag filled with quiet and non-messy toys to keep her busy during long waits. I have been very happy with the results of bringing along an activity bag. Depending on where we are going, I use a large tote or fill up my preschooler’s backpack. For sports practice or games, I bring a large tote with a blanket, toys, drawing board (like an Etch a Sketch, Magna Doodle, or Boogie Board), and snacks. The blanket is for her to sit on and believe it of not, she actually sits on it and plays. This was very helpful during practices I coached and had to bring her with me.
Items for an Activity Bag
Magna Doodle, Boogie Board, or Etch a Sketch
Books
Small toys such as Polly Pockets or Hot Wheels
Wikki Stix
Small container of Play Doh or Silly Putty
Clothes pin activities (You can find some to download off of CurrClick. It is an activity where the child clips on as many clothes pins as the paper indicates of pins onto certain letters, etc.)
Small Baggie of crayons and coloring books
Snacks
Magnet toys