Sometimes there are field trips you don’t get a choice about. These are usually also the days I feel like an Uber driver for my teen. Over the years I’ve waited during scout meetings, buses back late from field trips and day camps, after-school pickup, and now football practices. For you, it might be gymnastics, dance, or drama club. Regardless, as parents, we spend a lot of time waiting.
I have to admit, I’ve been griping to myself about having to sit in the car for two-hour football practices. Home is too far away to make it worth driving there and back. It’s spring in Wisconsin so while it is technically warmer than winter, it’s still pretty cold and windy to be outside just sitting watching them practice. I spent the first two practices complaining to myself while I checked every app on my phone off and on for two hours.
At the third practice, I finally realized I was being silly. Two hours. I had two hours essentially to myself. If I were at home I’d feel obligated to clean, cook, or do some other thing on some list somewhere. But here, well, I was free to do what I liked.
There are ways to not only enjoy yourself but even indulge yourself.
- Find a quiet place and read…by yourself!
- Go for a walk in the neighborhood. Even arrange to meet a friend for a walk during practice
- Splurge on a coffee or tea at a local coffee shop. Enjoy it there or at practice while you watch practice
- Invite a friend to hang out with you
- Cloud watch and/or meditate
- Bust out your journal
- Bring your binoculars and bird-watch
- Whittle something
- Work on a hobby. My favorite mobile hobbies are photography, writing, and hand embroidery
- Listen to a new or favorite podcast
- Learn a new skill on Lynda.com (free with your library card)
- Learn a new language on Rosetta Stone (also free with your library card)
- Take a nap
- If you’re not an introvert, introduce yourself to other waiting parents
You can also enjoy yourself by doing something for others- doing good just feels good!
- Do a random act of kindness
- Leave the space better than you found it – pick up litter
- Offer to help the coach, teacher, or instructor
Now I keep athletic shoes, extra layers, a book or two, headphones, snacks, and paper in the car. I’ve turned my car into a mobile office/waiting room.
Since I’ve changed my perspective about waiting, I’ve read a book, written this post, gone for several walks, listened to a bunch of great podcasts, and taken some great photos of the guys practicing. Now I’m actually looking forward to the rest of football season, and then soccer, and then…who knows?
What did I miss? Would you add something to the list of things you can do while waiting?
Great ideas!