How to Survive the Mechanic with a Toddler
I always dreaded getting my car serviced. Having to bring a child with me just made it that much worse. Most mechanics near me don’t have a park or anywhere we can walk to while the work is completed, so we are stuck in the little waiting room until it is over. This is not my idea of fun any day, and for a 2-year-old, it’s torture.
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Every car needs regular maintenance. Oil changes, inspections, tune-ups. They are all part of owning a car and keeping it in good shape. It’s not fun, but it’s necessary. If you don’t have anyone to watch your children while you take care of these, you have no choice but to bring them along. This is pretty much what I imagined the seventh layer of hell is like. The first few times I had to do it, I confirmed my suspicions.
Then, I started to learn from the mistakes I was making. I learned how to make it less miserable and even almost fun. So, how do I survive it? Here are my tips and tricks for keeping this necessary experience as painless and stress-free as possible!
Be Prepared
You never know how long these trips will last. They could be 20 minutes, they could be an hour or more. It’s best to be over prepared than to be underprepared. That means bringing snacks, water, diapers and wipes (if still in diapers) and lots of entertainment! My son loves books, so I packed four. It’s best to pack small books, but if there is a favorite that is larger, go ahead and bring it. This way he has his choice and I don’t get annoyed reading the same book 10 times (although that still may happen). Toys are another important thing. Since there may be other people in the waiting room with you, make sure to bring quiet toys. Dinosaurs, cars, airplanes, and dolls are all great options.
All of this requires a bag that is big enough to hold it of course. I prefer to use a backpack since it’s easier to carry. Since my son is still in diapers, I prefer to bring my diaper bag since it is usually already packed with diapers and wipes.
Relax
The more you stress about keeping your toddler entertained, the more they will misbehave. It’s amazing what kids pick up on. I have found that when I’m stressed, it seems like my son does everything he can make it worse. In reality, my stress is simply rubbing off on him and it snowballs. If you can manage to relax and simply play with your toddler in that tiny waiting room, the whole experience will be a lot more enjoyable for everyone.
Accept They will get Dirty
The floors are dirty there and toddlers are active and will want to run and crawl around. Dressing them in old clothes or clothes that you don’t care about will help to reduce your stress when they get dirty. When I take my son, he likes to push his car around the floor and scoot along. His pants got FILTHY! His hands did too. That’s when wipes and hand sanitizer came in handy. The best way to handle this is to just relax. Getting dirty is perfectly fine for kids, In fact, it can actually strengthen their immune system!
For more about this ready why I call Myself the Anti-“Lysol Mom”.
Go Early
Going to the mechanic early in the day ensures that your service will be done faster. The later in the day you go, the more that can happen to put everyone behind schedule. If possible, make an appointment. This will help even more.
Have you had to make these trips with your kids? It took me several miserable experiences to figure this out that hopefully, I can spare you, making it a little more tolerable. Of course, the best solution is to only get your car serviced when someone else can watch your children. That may not be very practical though so when the inevitable does happen, just remember: be prepared, relax, accept that they will get dirty, and go early!
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36 Comments
Melissa
Sound advice! The last time I had an oil change, I gave my daughter a baby wipe and had her clean the waiting area. 😂
Kat
haha that is amazing! Way to improvise!
Julie
I love when a mechanic has a kids area with those tiny tables and bead sorting toys.
Kat
That sounds great! I’ve never been to one like that!
ohmummymia
I always thought that is not a good place for toddlers but now I will have in mind that you can keep them busy even in a such a difficult places like garage😁
Kat
Yes. Its possible anywhere with the right preparation!
Kimberley
Oh wow that’s something I never thought about before so thanks for sharing!
Kat
Thanks!
Julie
Our Honda Dealership where we go to get our car an oil change and any other issues, has a kids play area with Legos and other toys to keep kids busy. It’s so nice to have that option whenever we bring our kids with.
Kat
that’s awesome! Wish I knew a place like that!
Danielle
These are great tips. I have never taken either of my kids with me to the mechanic out of pure fear. These tips will help if I ever absolutely have to.
Kat
I understand the fear! Hopefully you can avoid it.
priscilla
Great tips. Electronics does it for my kids. I always remember to charge their iPads before we have to get any kind of car maintenance, lol.
Kat
I don’t own too many and my son already broke one! So, I try to avoid going to electronics if possible.
KJ
Hahaha! I have an appointment tomorrow! This is perfect timing.
Kat
great! I hope this helps!!!
Susie
I also bring a bunch of things for her to do, and her tablet! Thanks good list.
Kat
Thanks! My son doesn’t have a tablet so we stick to toys.
Jen | Cuddles & Chaos
Great tips! The one thing I always try to remember are snacks! Are kids ever NOT hungry? lol
Kat
Seriously! Haha
Ashley
Good tips!! We definitely always went early. That helped get us out quicker.
Kat
It always does!
Avantika
I never had to, but will surely keep these tips in mind if I do have to visit the mechanic with my toddler. Thanks!
Kat
Hopefully you don’t have to!
Sarah
Going early has definitely been my go to. The earlier you get there usually the quicker it is.
Kat
Exactly!
Luna S
Bringing toys is such a good idea! I also like to bring things to color, plus snacks and a drink just in case it takes longer than expected.
Kat
Yes. I always have crayons and a coloring book everywhere I go!
Denisha
Such great tips!! Being armed woth toys, books, and snacks is always a good idea!
Kat
Thanks!!!
Katie
I hate these kinds of outings with my son. He actually broke an antique at my drs last week 😣 these are great tips!
Kat
Oh no! A bag full of toys and distractions is the best thing to do!
Marjie Mare
That’s great post. I did not even think about those back up plan to survive car service with a toddler.
Kat
Thanks!!!
Miranda
I absolutely love these tips. With three little ones a trip to the mechanic can seem like a trip to the moon. Haha.
Kat
It can be very overwhelming! Glad you liked the tips!