7 Ways to Constructively Use Carpool Time
It’s back-to-school time, and for some moms, that means sitting in the car rider line waiting for their child to come out. Sometimes, that wait can be a half hour long if you want to be one of the first ones in line. That time doesn’t have to be wasted—check out these seven activities to use your time constructively while waiting.
- Clean out your car. This is a great time to clean out your car! Organize the console or glove box, gather up the chip bags, water bottles and wrappers that inevitably inhabit the backseat. Grab a washcloth and wipe down the dash.
- Make phone calls. If you’re alone in the line, this is a perfect opportunity to make doctor or dentist appointments, call the insurance company or just ring a friend you’ve been meaning to talk to.
- Take a nap. While this one might seem strange, this might be the only time you have to close your eyes and rest for a few minutes before the busy evening begins. “For me, it’s the only time I completely unplug. I have no distractions or anything pressing I have to do. I never nap at home because I feel guilty for all the things I should be doing,” Kelly Pope, Kearney mother of two, says.
- Read. Oh, the joy of uninterrupted reading time! Start a new novel, or finish the one you’ve been meaning to read. Check out a book from the library or read one on your iPad or Kindle. “I show up early when I can and read. That is the only time I have quiet time and can read with no interruptions,” Jennifer Duncan, Kearney mother of three, says.
- Social media/games. Sometimes after a long day, some mindless scrolling through Facebook or playing a game like 2048, Candy Crush or Words with Friends on your phone is just the thing you need. “The only time I get to be by myself and relax a bit before the crazy starts is the car rider line. Sometimes I look forward to car rider lines so I can catch up on Facebook or play a few games on my phone. It’s my time to relax,” Maria Knowles, Kansas City mother of three, says.
- Make a grocery list or plan upcoming meals. Waiting is a good time to make lists—plan what you need to buy at the grocery store or plan upcoming meals. Look up recipes on Pinterest for dinner that night.
- Volunteer to help the school. For some mothers, getting into the classroom to help can be difficult, but they want to help. Using the time in the car rider line to count box tops, grade quizzes for a teacher or cut laminating for them is a way to use your time constructively to help the school. “Counting box tops in the car rider line saves me from having to do it at home, when the husband and kids are all competing for my attention,” Duncan says. “I can focus on what I need to and help the school at the same time.”
Jennifer Higgins is a teacher, wife and mother from Kearney who usually does #5 in the car rider line.