Many precious minutes are spent in the car every morning since Georgie started school. It’s a 30 minute drive so instead of wasting that time listening to boring morning shows (me) and shooting dinosaurs on the iPad (him), we play games. Options are limited due to Georgie’s age but I have managed to find five games he loves playing and I don’t mind them either.
I Spy: Obviously Georgie can’t play I Spy the way it is meant to be played but we’ve found a system that works and keeps him entertained. Instead of picking something that begins with…I describe that ‘something’ to him. I use colours and other forms of description that he can understand. I Spy with my little eye something that is big, blue and has lots of wheels. BUS!
Stories: If Georgie had his way I would be telling stories all the way to school and back again. Don’t get me wrong, as a writer, I love making up stories but there are mornings when creativity just isn’t churning. So instead I start telling a story then I stop and he picks up from where I left off.
Spot the car: We focus on different car models or colours. Whoever spots the most cars, wins.
I’m thinking of an animal: Like Georgie, I’m guessing your kids are suckers for animals too so why not give this one a go. Just like I Spy, give as much detail to description as possible.
Rock, paper, scissors: We’ve only played this a couple of times because it isn’t always easy when driving but since papa and I use this method often to fairly decide who will be popping to the shop or picking up dinner, it’s only natural that Georgie gets in on the action. Perhaps we can have him pick up dinner next time.
