Everyday life is a series of events that happen at different speeds. In some situations, we have to wait: at the airport, in line, in traffic, in a cafe. Sometimes patience is good when we want a better option than we currently have. Patience is often needed to follow social norms, for example, not to interrupt the other person during a conversation. Therefore, it is very important to develop children's waiting skills.
Why is it so hard for kids to wait?
- Children want to instantly satisfy a desire or need for something. If they are hungry, it is very difficult to explain to them that the food is not ready yet.
- It is difficult for children to understand such an abstract concept as time. If they hear that they need to wait half an hour, it may see like an eternity to them.
- Children don't understand that there are certain social rules and norms. For example, a child might ignore the line at the store or get up from the table before others have finished eating.
- Children realize that waiting is boring and do not understand why it is necessary.
How can we develop patience in children?
First, explain to the children why they need to wait (the plane hasn't arrived yet, people are talking about important things, so you can't interrupt, etc.) and don't forget to praise the child when he could wait in any situation.
Second, use the following tips to help children be patient and learn to wait.
How to teach a child to wait: useful tips
Visualize time
As already mentioned, time for a child is an abstract concept. To solve this problem, turn time into something tangible. For example, use real timers (not on the phone), wall clocks (teach kids how to watch the arrows), hourglasses, etc.
Ask the children to set the timer themselves for the necessary time so that the child feels that they are in control of the wait time.
Secret sign
Come up with a code signal that means “I can hear you and I'll pay attention to you soon.” For example, it may be a gentle squeeze on the child's palm or stroking the head/back. Show your child that you can hear him when talking to an adult and let him know that you need to wait a little bit. You can gradually increase the waiting time from situation to situation.
Play the game!
Here are some examples of games you can play to pass the time:
20 questions
One of you makes a guess about a famous cartoon character, book, movie, etc. The rest of the participants in the game ask Yes/No questions, trying to guess him.
Which is your favorite...?
A game that allows you to learn more about the child's tastes and preferences.
Ask questions about your favorite cartoon, color, food, game, day of the week, etc. Then you can switch roles.
Make up a story on offer
A creative and fun game that will not only help pass the time, but also have a positive impact on the development of attention, imagination and speech skills.
One of the participants says the first sentence of the story, the next player the second sentence, etc. Play until you have a complete story.
Alphabetical shopping
The first participant says the phrase: “I went to the store and bought...”, adding any word with the letter A (orange, avocado, asters, etc.).
The next participant repeats the same phrase by adding a B word (binoculars, paper, bolt, etc.). Thus, the child will repeat the alphabet and remember many useful words.
Tic-tac-toe
A good old game that can save you in any situation. All you need is a pen and a piece of paper (a napkin, a check, etc.)
Name as many objects of a certain color as possible
Where you are, this game can be a lifesaver when you have to wait. Ask your child to look around and name all objects of a particular color (or his favorite color). When you get tired of playing with colors, connect geometric shapes, numbers, etc.
Stone-paper-scissors
Another well-known lifesaver game. On the count of three, you use your hand to show “stone” (fist), “scissors” (the index and middle fingers are extended, the others are in the fist) or “paper” (all fingers are extended, the palm is open). “Rock” blunts “scissors”, “scissors” cut “paper”, “paper” beats “rock”.
You can play ad infinitum!
Which would you choose?
A fun and slightly provocative game in which you have to choose between two options and explain why!
Examples of questions:
Would you choose to eat an ant or a bee?
Would you rather turn into a fish or a bird?
Would you rather be Spider-Man or Batman?
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