Distraction!

11 May 2017

9.50pm

Distraction! Specifically, ways to occupy/distract a one-year old or similar toddler, whilst out and about.

We've all been there. Doctor's surgery, library session, school meeting, post office queue, any kind of waiting room where they are antsy and on the verge of erupting. Help! Other than bribe them with sugar, what can we do to pacify this nightmare about to develop? If I can save one tantrum from sprouting with these ideas then this is a goal not to be sniffed at!

So I'm compiling a list which is by no means exhaustive. It has potential to blossom into my best friend, the ultimate saviour!

In no particular order of effectiveness:

• Bubbles – carry mini bottles and stash them everywhere

• Balloons – have one in every pocket/handbag

• Skinny, shaping balloons

• Phone videos of himself – no data required!

• Bubble gum for yourself to pop

• Pull-back cars/ mini troll dolls/ whatever they're into

• Bendy straws (I won't bore you with health warnings as you know the gist)

• Nail varnish – friendly stuff I suppose

• Kids tattoos

• Play doh

• Slime (the playful kind)

• Play doh and squeeze stapler if you really need a time killer and can fathom the mess

• Anything with a remote control (check for battery status)

• Stickers and album

• Felt book – same idea as sticker album

• Ipad games

• The obvious one is food

• Baby snacks/ "good" sugar. Yup, sugar had to be in there somewhere!
• Unravelling whistle things, if you can cope with the noise
• The latest fad, which seems to be Fidget wheels at the mo

I have used some of these in the past with my now nearly four-year old, who has finally dropped the public display of affection phase commonly known as the loyal tantrum, or hysterics (am I jinxing it?). It tickles me to find balloons in old handbags that I haven't used since those days, which I'm fondly bringing back out for his wee brother. Some of them have disintegrated with age and feel strange and fleecy!

I am in need of boosting this list. I know there must be hundreds of ideas and other promise out there. I haven't listed long-term distraction techniques, required for the likes of lengthy shopping trips, travelling on extended journeys, a 3-course meal at The Savoy if you're really daring, a Rachmaninov symphony in an actual concert hall etc..

I'm off to stock up!

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