The Big Idea: Being patient is hard work for little ones, and that struggle can come out in ways that are tough to handle. But there are ways to prepare for situations that require waiting!
The Waiting Game
Five minutes can feel like an hour to a young child. Here are some tips for building the skill of patience (which is necessary over a lifetime!):
- Show by example. When you have to wait, try to model patience as best you can. Say, “Even grown-ups have to wait their turn.”
- Imagination is a great time-filler. Make up a story or a little song to help wait times go faster.
- When you’re going somewhere, avoid “Are we there yet?” questions by playing a game of “I Spy” using things you pass on your way. You could also ask kids to count all the red things they see, or to count people’s shoes.
- If there’s something special coming up soon, write it on the calendar. Each day, count how many days are left until the event date. Anticipation can be fun!
- Instead of acting right away when a child wants attention, help them learn to wait with a timer. Say, “I’ll be ready to give you my attention in three minutes,” and let them measure the time.
- Baking can show kids that some things are worth waiting for. Ask them to measure, mix, and wait while a treat bakes and cools. Ask, “What would happen if we didn’t stir everything, or if we didn’t let the cake (or cookies) finish baking?”
- Planting seeds for fast-growing plants or flowers is another way to show kids that good things happen after having to wait.
