Some times(not always) I have other mothers come up to me and ask me how I can get my two boys to behave while shopping and waiting at places of business (my kids aren’t always well behaved in public, I promise) Truth is When they are really restless and start getting into things I pull out my secret weapon... "I spy and/or the ABC games" This works out almost instantly to redirect their attention to something less destructive.
- I SPY: For those few who don't know how to play this or have been out of practice since your own childhood.-Take turns picking out an object in the room. So if it were a plant you would say I spy with my little eye something green. Then have your kids try to guess what it is. Who ever guess first gets to be the "I Spy" person. If after a few minutes the object cant be guessed. Tell them what it was and then have a second turn and try to pick something a bit easier.
- ABC's Game for young kids- Take turn naming things that begin with the letters of the Alphabet. For young kids have them name things that begin with "A" sound. You would say something like "What starts with 'Aaaa'?" and so forth. I play this with my 3 year old and he loves it.
I’ve used these games in the car, restaurants, shopping, waiting for haircuts, and even once at a wedding. So next time your little ones are starting to act up because shopping is boring and takes to long try out these Restlessness Ridding games. Both you and your little ones will love it.
Do you have a tip for keeping your kids from getting too restless?
