Step 4
Patience is not a default setting.
It’s a skill. A muscle. And for many kids, it’s underused and underdeveloped.
Play “wait for it” games: Delay a snack with silly questions like “What flavour will it be? Can you imagine it melting in your mouth?”
Narrate the moment: “We’re waiting for our turn. It’s hard, but we can do hard things.”
Use countdowns, not commands: “In 3 seconds, we’ll get our shoes.”
Celebrate waiting: “You waited without shouting! That was tricky, and you did it!”
Real-life Wins:
Your child waits their turn on the swing for a full 12 seconds, rocking on their feet and whispering, “I am next... I am next…” You give them the proudest thumbs-up of your life.