The situation is different on the organized line. There isn't much direction on this line. On these lines we need to rely on our ability to observe, predict and infer. These are the lines we find in the cafeteria, concession stands, ticket booths, stores and toll booths. There may be a cashier at the front of the line but there is no 'official' line director. We are constantly observing the people around us. We make a smart guess about which line is the shortest and choose that one. We move into a position that indicates we are part of the line without getting to close the person in front of us. If someone tries to cut the line, we use our bodies, facial expression and sometimes words and tone of voice to indicate our place on the line. Typically, we are looking and listening to what the people ahead of us are saying. We are also figuring out what we want. We know it's our turn when the people ahead of us move away and the cashier makes eye contact with us. The cashier may look away as they fill the order or ring it up. They look at us again to tell us the cost. They are also watching to see our reaction - did they get the order correct? Are we pleased with their service? We expect that they filled our order correctly. They expect that we are prepared to pay, ready to take the change and our items and walk away.

When there is no 'official' line it's a disorganized line. You find a disorganized line in a store or restaurant where the beginning of the line is not clearly indicated. There might be people waiting to place their order as well as people waiting to pick up an order. How do you figure out where to stand and who to give your order to? Thinking with the eyes and observing are key in this situation. You need to be aware of others who may be waiting to order. If no one else is stepping forward, you let the counter person know that you are waiting to order by stepping closer to counter, leaning forward and making eye contact with them. Those who have already ordered are usually standing to the side waiting for the counter person to catch their eye, letting them know their order is ready. As with all lines we notice who is in front and behind us and who is just getting on the line so we maintain our place.

Whenever we encounter a line we think about what we are going to do. Don't just think it - talk about it - share your thought process with your child. Ask them what they think you should do. This is a perfect opportunity to teach by letting them lead the way.