How to Teach a Child Patience

Waiting and self-control are two basic requirements for preschool preparedness. Practicing patience at a early age helps children to improve interpersonal relationships and social skills. Teaching patience to children at every age not only reduces embarrassing meltdowns in public but also help them grow up to be empathizing individuals who can cope with challenges better in life.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Be a role model. Teach children patience behavior by showing them how. Be aware of your words and body language when you have to wait for something.

2. Try not to fix everything immediately. Whenever your child asks for something, ask them to wait for a brief period. Start with 15 seconds and gradually increase it to a minute over a week.

3. Keep your expectations reasonable. Patience level for every child differs at each age. Observe your child to understand what comes natural to him.

4. Use timers to help them visualize the wait. Respond specifically to time related questions like "after I am done with the dishes" or "after daddy is home." Avoid giving vague answers like "in a while" as this could confuse them.

5. Involve them in the process of waiting or helping your child to figure out ways to fill the time while waiting. This will teach them to cope with frustrations and recognize the needs of others.

6. Encourage kids to participate in group activities and to play board games. This teaches them to wait for their turn. Baking cookies and planting flowers help them apply self-control and teach them to wait to earn the reward.

7. Acknowledge and reinforce the good behavior. Praising and rewarding them for their patience will encourage them to work harder.