It might be a good idea to keep an "arsenal" of toys in the car for such things. Something that will keep her occupied with lots of gross and fine motor skills being employed. She could even have her own toy bag that she is responsible for filling with toys she wants for that particular trip, carrying it around, picking up after herself. It will take a bit of training to get her focused on keeping the bag safe, but it will give her a sense of ownership over her own behavior and have a comforting sense of the familiar. Picture books are excellent. You can get her to "read" to you as you wait.
If she is still too figity, even with the toys, try to locate "big toys" in the waiting room such as blocks or mousetrap type contraptions - you can even call ahead to find out if the waiting room is kid-friendly.
Another idea is to let her "get the wiggles out" by taking her first to a playroom somewhere. Let her know that you expect her to sit "like a big girl" once you are at your destination, but she can play now for 10-15 minutes all she wants at the playroom.
Redirecting takes anticipation and planning. If you know your daughter is one of the more figity types, shift your thinking to preventative measures rather than reactive moves - and keep it up, don't quit after one or two unsuccessful attempts. Expected patterns of behavior take a while to manifest, but they DO occur once the child is also able to anticipate and plan.
The important thing to remember is that kids thrive on choices. You can set the choice selection for them, but be prepared to follow through with whatever consequences you have promised as well as the rewards. For example, with the playroom idea, you can promise the playroom AFTER the doctor's office, but if she doesn't sit "like a big girl," the play time will be reduced from 20 minutes to 10. If she chooses to figit more than you are comfortable with, warn her that she is taking away her own playtime - and THEN redirect with a toy or game or pictures in a magazine.
no subject
If she is still too figity, even with the toys, try to locate "big toys" in the waiting room such as blocks or mousetrap type contraptions - you can even call ahead to find out if the waiting room is kid-friendly.
Another idea is to let her "get the wiggles out" by taking her first to a playroom somewhere. Let her know that you expect her to sit "like a big girl" once you are at your destination, but she can play now for 10-15 minutes all she wants at the playroom.
Redirecting takes anticipation and planning. If you know your daughter is one of the more figity types, shift your thinking to preventative measures rather than reactive moves - and keep it up, don't quit after one or two unsuccessful attempts. Expected patterns of behavior take a while to manifest, but they DO occur once the child is also able to anticipate and plan.
The important thing to remember is that kids thrive on choices. You can set the choice selection for them, but be prepared to follow through with whatever consequences you have promised as well as the rewards. For example, with the playroom idea, you can promise the playroom AFTER the doctor's office, but if she doesn't sit "like a big girl," the play time will be reduced from 20 minutes to 10. If she chooses to figit more than you are comfortable with, warn her that she is taking away her own playtime - and THEN redirect with a toy or game or pictures in a magazine.
:::teacher mode deactivated::::