what do you do whilst waiting for your children at clubs

iammumtoone

Hi all

I have booked my son into lots of activities over the holidays, due to his age I have to stay with him. The activities are sometimes over 2 hours long and I am looking for some suggestions what I can do in this time.

I really wish I could do my job searching whilst there but unfortunately there is no wi fi

I will of course talk with any other parents that are there but I am going most days, sometimes twice a day and would really like to do something constructive in this time.

Any suggestions, what do others do whilst waiting for their children when they are attending clubs?

z.n

If DS is young enough you have to be there- you will need to watch him doing whatever it is. He will be checking up on you! It can be so sad when a child looks over for approval and the parent has their nose in the paper or is constantly on mobile phone. They crave your participation in everything they do even if it is just watching! My eldest is 15 and so far there is no real age limit- he still likes to be watched at sporting events some of which are all day long (two hours is nothing!)( I speak from the experience of spending eons of hours watching all sorts of activities and pretending to have seen something when I was really just chatting with other parents or reading a book.) Just because they are doing an activity don't think you are off duty! A bit of 'light work' as they get older is probably ok so long as you look up at very regular intervals- I have noticed that teachers are particularly good at this.

Tiddlywinks

I agree with ZN... you are there to watch and support your child first and foremost. There must be a reason for asking parents to stay.

If you have a laptop / tablet the you could have a game of something but only if it doesn't divert attention too much away from your son.

ETA - I see that your son is 6... he will definitely want mum to look interested and proud of his achievements.

JodyBPM

I must say, for a 6 year old, I would probably drop off and leave, rather than staying. Obviously I would go along to any displays, plays, events, celebrations or whatever, but at 6 I think they would be old enough to not have mummy holding their hand for a 1-2 hour session. Maybe I'm just mean? But I can't think of any organised activities/clubs beyond reception age that specifically request parents to stay, and I would say its the norm that parents drop and leave, although I guess that may vary from area to area.

From a practical point of view, if it was too far to be worth driving home and back again, I'd probably bring some knitting/sewing with me, or a newspaper/magazine. I'd sit in the car or coffee shop rather than in the room the activity was taking place though.

Dunroamin

Why not just take a book and read? Interesting for you and a good example for your son.

cte1111

Play on DS, read book or magazine, puzzle book, knitting, sewing, crocheting

mummyroysof3

I would be chatting with the other parents or reading my kindle or studying tbh. I would imagine at times you might be watching them but not all the time? Is it due to him being under 8 you have to stay?

Rummer

I have a wee entertainment bag that I take with me depending on what she is doing. It usually contains a book/kindle, crochet, magazine/word search book as well as a drink and some fruit. It also has a note pad and pen for doodling or notes.

For a while I spent a lot of time sitting waiting and my wee bag was a life saver as it sat ready to be grabbed on the way out the door.

Nicki

office in a bag? put all your bills and paperwork in a folder with pen, cheque book, paper, diary, stamps and envelopes and get caught up.

peachyprice

When you say you have to stay with him, what do you mean?

Do you just have to be in the building but not in the room? If so, read, knit, catch up, all/any of the activities mentioned above.

If you're expected to stay in the room with him I would think that some interaction with your child might be expected, so take something that is easily put downable, and don't take any food or drink out of your bag until they have their break too!

iammumtoone

I believe I have to stay because he is under 8, although I do know alot of parents don't follow this rule and leave anyway (they don't check), I would never leave just in case he does need his mum for something.

I certainly won't be watching him all the time, it is not a show the kids are putting on just activities to keep them amused over the holidays, they play games, craft activities etc. Some of the activities I won't even be able to watch him they will be in a room without a viewing area but I am expected to stay on the premises (its a large sports hall).