First 5 Forever while you wait

We wait a lot in our everyday lives. When we are at the doctor, the bus stop, in traffic, the queue at the supermarket or for that much-needed coffee – the minutes spent each day waiting soon add up to a large chunk of family time.

When our kids are young, these small amounts of time together are the perfect opportunity to get some chat time happening and turn a frustrating wait into something really valuable for your child.

So next time you’re in the queue or waiting room, spark a brain boosting chat with your little one. These interactions are great for your child’s development and help the minutes fly by faster.

Here are a few ideas to get you started.

• Carry a children’s book in your bag and share a story, wherever you are.
• Need more books? Go to your local library.
• Flip through a magazine. Can you find a picture of an animal or the letters in your child’s name?
• Give each of your fingers nicknames and make up a story.
• Can you spot some letters in the room, on posters or written on the windows? What sounds do they make?
• What signs can you see out the car window? What are the pictures on the billboards – what do you think they’re about?