How to Teach Young Children About Patience and Waiting Their Turn

Teaching young children about patience and taking turns helps them develop self-control, respect for others, and better social skills. Learning to wait teaches children how to manage frustration, follow rules, and engage positively with others in group settings. Parents can encourage patience through interactive games, real-life practice, and positive reinforcement. In this article, we’ll explore practical ways to help children understand and practice patience.

Why Teaching Patience is Important

• Builds self-control – Helps children manage impulses and emotions.
• Encourages respect for others – Teaches kids to wait and take turns in social situations.
• Reduces frustration and meltdowns – Helps kids handle delayed gratification.
• Improves problem-solving skills – Encourages children to think before reacting.
• Prepares for school and structured environments – Teaches kids how to follow routines and rules.

1. Explain Why Waiting is Important

Helping children understand the purpose of waiting makes it easier for them to practice.

Activity Idea:

• Use simple explanations: “When we wait, everyone gets a turn.”
• Give relatable examples: “If everyone talks at the same time, we can’t hear each other.”
• Ask questions like, “What would happen if we didn’t wait in line at the store?”

What Kids Learn:

• That patience helps everyone get a fair chance
• Why waiting is necessary in daily life
• How taking turns makes activities more enjoyable

2. Use a Timer to Make Waiting Visual

Timers help children see how long they need to wait, making it feel more manageable.

Activity Idea:

• Use a kitchen timer or sand timer for turn-taking games.
• Set a countdown on a phone or clock for activities like waiting for a snack.
• Encourage kids to watch the timer to anticipate when their turn is coming.

What Kids Learn:

• That waiting has an end and is not forever
• How to manage their emotions while waiting
• The importance of patience in everyday routines

3. Play Turn-Taking and Waiting Games

Fun games help children practice patience in a positive way.

Activity Idea:

• Play board games, where kids must wait for their turn.
• Try a “Red Light, Green Light” game to practice stopping and waiting.
• Set up a sharing activity, where kids take turns with a favorite toy.

What Kids Learn:

• That waiting is part of fun activities
• How to control impulses and respect others’ turns
• The joy of taking turns in group play

4. Teach Breathing Exercises for Calm Waiting

Helping children focus on deep breathing teaches them how to stay calm while waiting.

Activity Idea:

• Teach “Smell the flower, blow out the candle” deep breathing.
• Encourage counting to 10 when feeling impatient.
• Use mindfulness techniques, like closing eyes and listening to sounds while waiting.

What Kids Learn:

• How to calm themselves when they feel impatient
• That waiting can be a peaceful experience
• The importance of self-regulation in daily life

5. Read Books About Patience

Stories help children relate to characters who learn about waiting and self-control.

Activity Idea:

• Read Waiting Is Not Easy! by Mo Willems or Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney.
• Pause and ask, “How does the character feel while waiting?”
• Relate the story to real-life experiences: “When was a time you had to wait?”

What Kids Learn:

• That waiting is hard but possible
• How patience leads to positive outcomes
• The importance of controlling emotions during delays

6. Provide Distractions to Make Waiting Easier

Engaging children in activities while waiting helps prevent frustration.

Activity Idea:

• Bring a small toy or book for kids to use while waiting in line.
• Play a “I Spy” game or sing a song to pass the time.
• Encourage storytelling: “Can you tell me a story while we wait?”

What Kids Learn:

• How to make waiting feel shorter and more fun
• That distractions can help manage impatience
• The importance of staying calm in waiting situations

7. Praise and Reinforce Patient Behavior

Encouraging children when they wait successfully motivates them to keep practicing patience.

Activity Idea:

• Say, “Great job waiting so patiently for your turn!”
• Use a “Patience Chart”, where kids earn stickers for demonstrating patience.
• Ask, “How did it feel to wait and then get your turn?”

What Kids Learn:

• That patience is valued and appreciated
• How waiting leads to rewarding experiences
• The confidence to handle waiting situations better

8. Be Patient as They Learn

Teaching patience takes time, so consistent guidance and encouragement are key.

Activity Idea:

• If a child struggles with waiting, gently remind them: “I know waiting is hard, but you’re doing great!”
• Give small opportunities to practice patience daily.
• Celebrate progress, even if small, to keep motivation high.

What Kids Learn:

• That learning patience is a process
• How small improvements lead to success
• The importance of perseverance in developing new skills

Final Thoughts

Teaching young children about patience and waiting their turn helps them develop self-control, respect for others, and emotional regulation. By using games, stories, and positive reinforcement, parents can guide children in learning that waiting is a valuable skill that benefits them in school, friendships, and life.