Let’s face it — waiting isn’t always easy for children. Whether it’s the clinic lobby, a speech session delay, or the car parked outside a busy office, the in-between moments of the day can feel stressful, unpredictable, or just plain boring.

But here’s the good news: with a little intention and the right tools, these pauses can become powerful opportunities for connection, regulation, and executive functioning growth. At MPOWERME, we call it transforming waiting time into learning time.

🧠 Why Waiting Time Matters

Waiting offers a natural window to build executive functioning — the set of brain skills responsible for problem solving, flexibility, focus, working memory, and impulse control…to name a few. Developing these skills in real-world moments helps kids:

• Stay regulated in different environments
• Practice patience and self-direction
• Strengthen communication and shared attention
• Transition more smoothly into appointments or activities afterward

🎒 Build Your “Go Bag” for Success

A well-prepped waiting bag is your secret weapon. But it’s not just about tossing toys in a tote — it’s about involving your child in the process. Here’s how:

• Let them help create the kit. Use a game like “Let’s list all the things we love to play that are quiet, small, or short!”
• Practice packing routines. Build independence by assigning your child their own waiting kit checklist.
• Rotate items. Newness matters! Swap out items weekly to keep it fresh and engaging.

🎲 Low-Prep, High-Impact Activities

These activities are ideal for shared spaces with low sound and space tolerance — like clinic lobbies, libraries, or waiting rooms:

• I Spy in a Bottle (beans + small trinkets = endless fun)
• Suction cup toys on a travel tray
• Magnetic letters, shapes, or matching cards
• Paper + markers for guessing games or tic-tac-toe
• Fidget and squeeze tools for calming input
• Audio stories or music with headphones
• Pop-up books or non-mess drawing kits

🚗 Car Waiting? Bring the Play Inside

When the car becomes your waiting zone, movement and interaction are still possible — just adapted! Try:

• Sing-along playlists with call-and-response songs
• Imitation games like “Simon Says” with car-safe moves: ankle pumps, roof taps, animal sounds
• Guessing games using categories, letters, or counting
• Short interactive videos (limit to 10–12 mins) with questions or copycat actions
• Lap tray activities for fidgeting, drawing, or puzzles

Don’t forget your “clean-up kit”: wipes, zip bags, and separate “clean” and “used” sections in your bag help keep it simple and sanitary.

🤹 Little Moments, Big Wins

The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress. Even 5–10 minutes of connection during wait time can:

• Reduce pre-appointment anxiety
• Boost cooperation and emotional regulation
• Create routines that travel across home, school, and therapy
• Help siblings feel involved and connected, too

🤝 From Our Team to Yours

At MPOWERME, we believe the in-between moments matter. With just a little planning, waiting time can become family time, learning time, and yes — even fun time.

🔜 Coming Soon in This Series

Upcoming topics include:

• Self-Regulation Routines for Before & After School
• Rainy Day, Snow Day, Any Day: Movement & Play Ideas
• The Road Trip: Planning and Play to Make Getting There Fun

Let’s keep finding joy in everyday routines — together.