How to take a child to the DMV

I had to take Tad with me to the DMV last Friday while Ane was in school.

Am I crazy, you ask?

Yes, I am. Crazy like a fox.

It was that time again – time to renew my driver’s license. Yes, that fun time every five years that we all look forward to. And after I tried – and failed – to renew it online, I had to go visit the Department of Motor Vehicles. And to make sure that I wasn’t going to miss picking anyone up from school or the bus stop, Friday ended up being my best choice. Tad doesn’t have school on Fridays, so I could leave as soon as the bus picked Ane up.

My plan to keep Tad from tearing up the DMV was simple – distract, distract, distract.

My weapon of choice – the Webmaster’s iPod.

The movie of choice – WALL-E.

After I pulled a number, I sat down with Tad and after getting him settled, pulled out the iPod. He was instantly thrilled. We were probably waiting there for a solid half-hour before I was even called up, and he was perfectly behaved the whole time, aside from his occasional comments of, “Mama, wook, dere’s WALL-E!” and “Mama, wook, EVE!”

There were other kids there with parents. They kept staring enviously at Tad.

He was so well behaved that I led him up front with me when my number was called, and he just stood there, watching his movie, until I was done. I sat him down in another seat while we waited for my picture to be taken. And then he let me lead him back out to the minivan – still watching the movie.

The whole process had taken a little over 45 minutes and all had gone as planned. Mommy for the win!

So, if you ever have to take a child somewhere where you just know adults just won’t appreciate a wild monkey running loose – like a government office – plan to distract properly. Get an iPod. Seriously. Everyone will thank you – even if they think you are spoiling your child. Because honestly, they have no idea what they’re missing. And it’s better that way.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, September 22nd, 2009 at 12:26 am and is filed under Children, Mommyhood.
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