“Patience is not the ability to wait, but the ability to keep a good attitude while waiting.”
~Joyce Meyer
As we kick off a new season of the year, and perhaps a new style of learning for your household, an important character trait that’s top of mind is PATIENCE. As parents, we certainly need it these days, and for the little people in our lives – we can actually teach it! Did you know – patient people tend to experience less negative emotions, better coping skills, and less health issues while having more empathy and forgiveness (2007 Research study: Fuller Theological Seminary)? Sounds good to me!
Here’s the secret: No one was naturally BORN with this character trait, but there ARE some tricks to helping your child become more patient people in the long run. Check out our simple yet effective ideas below:
PRACTICE WAITING
The more practice you can give your child on waiting, the better off they will be. Try using a timer. Are they “STARVING” for dinner but it’s not ready yet? Have them set a timer for five or ten minutes of playtime while you finish dinner. This will help them start to grasp the concept of time and learn what they can wait for.
ROUTINE
As a busy mom, I find I am more patient when our mornings run smoothly and expectations are set each and every day. Download our FREE Morning Routine Schedule & help your family start their days off right!
PLAY BOARD GAMES
Here’s an easy one you can start today! When playing board games, you have to take turns and have to wait on each other. What a simple way for your children to practice being patient on a regular basis!
REWARD PATIENCE (THE RIGHT WAY)
If they behave well in the grocery store, I love to reward them at the end of the trip. The trick? You can’t give them the item that they’ve asked for or they will learn to be relentless in asking for items through every grocery trip. Who needs that? It’s SO much better when the reward is a little bit of a surprise AND mom’s idea!
PRACTICE DISTRACTION
If you’re waiting for your table at a restaurant, play games like “I Spy,” or “Two Truths and a Lie” while you wait. You’ll actually end up having fun conversations, plus turn your children’s attention away from what they’re focused on. Before you know it? Your table is ready!
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Sarah Cavanaugh is a Marketing, PR and Communications Specialist with over 25 years of experience writing, building effective campaigns, and creating brand awareness. Sarah can usually be found exercising, drinking coffee and watching Saturday Night Live skits on YouTube. She lives with her two active teens and husband in Grand Rapids. Find her at www.CavanaughCommunications.com.