Waiting Room Reading
Doctor visits, car repair shop customer area, theme park lines, waiting for a table in restaurants…all these places are opportunities to read.
While recently waiting for our car to travel through the customized car wash, my husband and I were invited to visit the customer service area and enjoy beverages and snacks (at a cost, of course). We had decided to purchase the deluxe wash which meant the attendants would take care of our vehicle while we watched thru a large window.
Entering the designated area, I noticed a t.v. with a sports channel playing. Another t.v. aired the national news. Looking around the room filled with couches, comfy recliners and a water station, I saw several children sitting on the edge of their seats. Their faces held no smiles and their shoulders drooped. What a boring time for these children!
The parents paid for their choice of car wash and headed to where the children sat. The mother reached into a cloth bag and pulled out several books. No computer devices and no phones. Books! Books! She spread out the books on the table in front of them and each child chose a book.
Shoulders no longer drooped as each child sat straight up and began smiling. Choosing an area in each corner of the room, the parents snuggled these dear ones and began to read aloud. One child climbed on Daddy’s lap and one child on Mommy’s lap. The older child sat close by with a book of their own.
I watched expressions on the faces of the children. Each word the parent read was listened to and enjoyed. I wanted to tell the parents what a wonderful blessing they were giving the children and everyone around them. But, I stayed in my seat until they were finished reading. Then, I walked over and shared my thoughts.
Keeping a bag of books in the car is a great idea. Waiting time can be frustrating, cause anxious thoughts and make us feel lonely. Having books to read together provides a time for bonding and bringing families close together.
Do you have a bag of books in your car or do you keep books ready to read at your house? Children may enjoy searching through bags or baskets of books and choosing an old favorite or a new story.
Next time you are “waiting”, notice the people around you. Are they reading?
Have a blessed day,
Melissa Henderson
When I was a young mom, we always had books with us. Even today, I have a book with me in my purse just in case I have to wait. I consider it a joy to carve out even a few moments to read.
My children loved having that bag of goodies (books and special toys) when we had to wait. Our goodie bag included only special books and toys for the very purpose of waiting. They looked forward to the time rather than grumble.
How wonderful to read you carry books and special toys with you! What a blessing to be able to read at any time! Have a great weekend! 🙂
Wonderful idea!
Thank you. I love seeing people of all ages reading. 🙂 Have a great weekend!
Yes, keeping a bag of books for children in the car is such a great idea. And Licky the Lizard would be perfect! I always have a book with me for appointments, etc. It’s much better than being on a device.
Karen, you are so sweet! Yes, a copy of Licky the Lizard is a wonderful idea. 🙂 I always have a book with me, too. Have a great weekend!
I always did this with my children. Then when my grandson was born, the phone and iPad were just too easy to pull out. It didn’t take long for all of us to realize this was a bad idea. My now 11 year old grandson takes a book everywhere. Even just to run to the grocery store!
I pray young parents read and heed this article!
Oh, yes, the phone and iPad are often see in the hands of everyone. I am glad books are available and we can choose books instead of devices. 🙂 Have a blessed day!
Awesome, reminds me of when our Children were young. We always had a stash of books and puzzle books etc. Books will always be the best!!! Great Post Sister
Thank you so much. Yes, books are the best! Have a blessed day! 🙂
Great idea!
As a child, I always had a book with me for those times of waiting…and still do!
Wonderful! I carry a book with me, too. Have a great day! 🙂
Yeah for that Mom! I love the Facebook meme going around that says “There is no app to replace your lap.” There is a picture of a mom reading to a toddler.
A beautiful sight to see a family reading together. 🙂 Have a blessed day!