You've probably heard time and again from your parents or older relatives that old hackneyed saying, "Patience is a virtue." What many parents today don't realize is that patience may be the most important value we can teach our children, especially considering the instant gratification world we live in now. But since society at large no longer values patience the way it may have used to, teaching your child to wait will be doubly difficult. Here are a few tips.
1. Even if it's not necessary, make your kid wait.
The key to instilling patience in your child is finding instances in which to teach them patience constantly. Even if you aren't in a situation in which your child must wait, be sure to hold off. For example, if you take your child to the candy store, don't give her the candies as soon as you get in the car. Make them wait until a specified time, like say, after dinner.
2. Have your children engage in mindful, quiet activities.
Patience can also be instilled by teaching your child to enjoy activities that require patience. For example, read books with your kid or try putting together one a 1,000 piece puzzle. Whatever the actual game or activity is doesn't really matter. As long as it is something quiet, it takes some concentration to get to the end, and it's something your child can learn to do on her own, it'll be a great way to get your kid to practice patience in an enjoyable setting.
3. Be a good role model and exercise patience yourself.
It goes without saying that children mimic their parents. And if your kids see you becoming easily frustrated when patience is required, they too, will pick up this habit. Instead of yelling at your child when she misbehaves, reign it in and wait before speaking. Any sort of emotionally impulsive behavior on your part, even if you feel it's justified, will only demonstrate to your kid that's it's completely okay say, do, or take something without considering their actions first.
Of course, even though it may sound easy to teach your kids patience based on these tips, children are not naturally patient beings. Their psychological development dictates that they demand what they can't immediately get. Still, if you seek to understand this developmental stage without always indulging it, your child will eventually mature into a thoughtful and patient young adult. Good luck!
By-line:
Jemima Lopez is a freelance blogger and writer who writes for Zen College Life, the directory of higher education, distance learning, and online degrees. She welcomes your comments at her email: lopezjemima562 @ gmail.com.
