Teaching Patience

We don't know about all of you, but patience has definitely been an issue for us while we navigate working from home. Are you sick of hearing your name called over and over and over again? We hear you and we have a few suggestions to help teach the little ones a little more patience.

1. Please don't interrupt when I am on the phone!- Teach them to stop interrupting by having them gently place their hand on your arm when they want your attention. Begin by trying to give them your attention almost immediately— so they know you will acknowledge them - then slowly lengthen the wait time. Eventually, they will endure the wait, patiently.

2. Why can't you just play on your own?!? - Try setting aside a time each day that is allocated to 'independent play'. Puzzles, simple art activities, building blocks, books, or other busy work will teach kids to entertain themselves without the use of electronics. Challenge them to stretch the muscles of their imagination.

3. I am busy right now, can you please just wait a minute!? - Even when you are able to, don't jump as soon as your child asks you to do something. Give them a timeline, "Okay, I will get that for you in one minute", and give them a chance to distract themselves while waiting. Just make sure you are following through on that minute - if you lose their trust, you will most certainly lose their patience.

Whatever you choose to do, know that you are not alone. We are all struggling with our patience, our children, and our sanity. We are all in this together!