Parents of small children know just how fast the boredom can set, and how easy it is at that point for the big tantrum monster to rear its ugly head. One proven weapon against a waiting room meltdown is something called the parent's goody bag. It is a diaper bag, purse, or bag of your own filled with things that are proven to distract your child while you wait in any lobby environment.

One word of caution, the bag only works if the child isn't hungry or tired. Those are two animal forces that override all distraction known to man. Although you can combat hunger with a snack, it is only a temporary fix. The solution for a tired and hungry child is a rescheduled appointment, lunch, and a nap.

Otherwise, there are 10 things that you can pack to be sure and head off a meltdown from your rested and fed child.

1. Favorite toys. Do not pick the toys that you would like your child to favor. Now is not the time. Instead, choose a few toys that are the "go-to" entertainment for your child. This includes a special doll, trucks, building blocks, etc. Pack a few in there to begin the entertaining phase.
2. Travel puzzles. For older children, a good way to pass time is with brain working puzzles. They can be as simple as word searches and ad lib games or the difficult logic puzzles. If your child goes along with it, this could occupy for the entire wait.
3. Games, yes of the video variety. This is a last resort. Pull out that video game to shave the last few minutes of the wait away.
4. Snack. Bored kids like to eat. It is a rule written somewhere I'm sure. Pack low sugar (to avoid hyper kids!), nutritious snacks that your child will actually eat. Again, this is not the time to manipulate a change. You need a sure thing.
5. Drink. Snacks will make you thirsty and not every waiting area has drinking fountains or vending machines. Pack a drink that will quench the thirst without making the child hyper. Get ready for a bathroom break too.
6. Crayons. This is an ages old favorite that never fails to disappoint. Add crayons and paper, for some free-style activities.
7. Books. Pack something that you can read together or that the child can read alone. This activity works when the child just wants a little cuddle time with mom or dad or some quiet time alone. Books that require kids to find small or multiple objects on busy pages work well.
8. Something new. When all else fails, put out something new, shiny, or that the child has been wanting for some time. It doesn't need to be expensive. Pack that hot new action figure, for example, or a distracter like a magic set, new game, or mess-less craft project. Yes, mess-less is possible. Think weaving loom, friendship bracelet making, or journal decoration kits.
9. Spare clothes. Just in case of an accident.
10. Hand sanitizer/wipes. Kids will touch anything!

Go in armed and confident that you have what it takes to handle the kids no matter how long you are stuck inside the lobby. Use the tricks sparingly, pull them out one thing at a time. If you tip your hand too early, you run the risk of a bored child long before your wait is over.