Posts Tagged ‘teaching children patience’

Image by Eleventh Earl of Mar via Flickr

Children can learn patience many different ways. It takes persistence, though, but we all know it is necessary. After a child starts to talk it is time to start teaching patience. Here are 6 ideas to assist you in the endeavor.

1. Do not reward bad behavior. When a baby cries they need something. You would be neglecting your baby just to let them cry without any response. But eventually your child cries over everything even when they can talk. You need to let your child know that crying when ever they want something is no longer appropriate. They need to use words.

2. Set an example. I have to sit back and analyze times during my day when I am not showing patience. Perhaps you know what I mean. For me when I watch television I become very impatient with my children if they are causing a disturbance. I find though, that if I stay calm and let them know that either they stop making noise or they leave the room that I have better results.

3. Reward patience. Watch your children for opportunities to praise them when they do show patience. Perhaps it is something small at first like not crying when they need a glass of water. Make a big deal out of it and tell them how proud you are of them.

4. Too fast? Life goes by so quickly and we try to pack as much as we can into each day. Try setting some time aside each day where you and your children do something quiet. Turn off the television and just enjoy being together.

5. Board games. Games where you have to take turns are good lessons in patience. If your child starts to cry because they have to wait for someone else to go then consider putting the game away or not letting that child play anymore until the stop crying. At first play games that are geared to small children.

6. Baking. Bake something with your child. Make sure the finished product is a cookie or piece of cake. Explain to them that the time it takes to cook is worth it because it tastes so much better cooked.

Teaching children to be patient is not easy but it is possible. You must set a good example and then be consistent. Reward good behavior and engage your children in activities that naturally teach patience.

Related articles by Zemanta

• Board games ‘boost early maths skills’
• A Class Apart
• Beddy Bye Baby: When Else Will Your Kids Race To Bed?