How to Develop Patience in Your Children

The best strategy for developing patience in your children is the strategy of example.

Children are imitators. They behave the way they see others behave. If you want to teach your children patience, you must be patient yourself.

How many times have you seen your toddler throw something in frustration when he can't get it to work? Next time that happens, ask yourself how you respond in similar situations.

Do you honk at other drivers when they are going too slow? Do you get angry with your children when they make you late? These behaviors do not go unnoticed by your children. Don't fool yourself into thinking your children are too young to understand. Even very young children pick up on these little behaviors, and it shapes the way they handle situations.

Be patient with your children. Expect them to make mistakes and don't get impatient with them when they do. Have patience when they want to dress themselves, or when they are picking up their toys. Don't be in such a rush. Let things be slow-paced and relaxed. Life gets busy enough when you are older.

Another good way to teach children patience is to make waiting fun. For example, if you have to wait in line for a ride at the fair, sing a song or tell a story. Teach your children how to entertain themselves, even if they don't have anything to play with. Teach them how to use their mind. Children today get impatient with waiting because so many of them are used to watching T.V. or playing computer games instead of just singing or thinking.

Another way to teach patience is to avoid the pitfall of instant gratification. Your child asks for something and you jump up and get it for them right away. That is easier than listening to them whine, right? But you are teaching them to believe that their wish is your command. Selfish children are impatient children. Make them wait for things. Have a schedule for eating snacks, and stick to it. Have a scheduled T.V. time instead of letting them watch whenever they want. Schedules help teach children how to wait for things.

Remember, patience is a virtue, but it is one that even many adults struggle with. Don't expect your children to learn it overnight. So be patient with your children as they learn how to be patient.