Does your child throw tantrums while waiting in a long line at the grocery store? Let’s face it – a lot of parents face a hard time teaching the value of patience to their own kids. Not to mention, these stressful situations are difficult for you to manage, as your child gets frustrated at the same time.
Moreover, it’s pretty hard to explain to your child why it is necessary to understand the concept of patience. So, how do you teach the value of patience? In what ways can you as a parent influence your child to learn the virtue of patience? Today, we’ll focus on five tips to help you explain your child the value of patience!
1. Demonstrate patience
Patience can be expressed in many different ways. However, the question is what way is the easiest for your child to understand the value of self-patience? After all, your child is young and therefore ‘doesn’t get it’. Therefore, if you want your child to learn the value of patience; first, you’ll need to demonstrate patience.
By all means, you need to remain calm when you’re in a stressful situation. For example, when your child is throwing a tantrum in your car while you’re on your way to send your child to Maths Tuition, it is crucial that you remain calm and not snapped back at your child. It is understandable that it ‘s hard to stay calm, but this is your chance to demonstrate patience with your child.
2. Acknowledgement
Acknowledge and ask about what would your child rather do when he or she accompany you to the grocery store or any form of errands you’re doing. Moreover, if your child throws a tantrum, most of the time it means that you child wants to be heard.
Thus, acknowledge and help your child by having a conversation about these frustration issues. Make eye contact and use a calm voice when you’re conversing with your child. When your child sees that you’re calm in this kind of situations, he or she will acknowledge it and follow your lead.
3. Time
Ask yourself, how many times have you responded to your child’s request with this answer, “ in a minute”? In fact, it is common for all parents, like you, respond with the same answer so many times without realising it.
Therefore, the next time, your child asks you for something while you’re busy, give them an explanation and let them know that you’ll be free once it is done. Now, if you tend to forget about these things, use a timer then. Give the appropriate time for yourself to finish whatever task you’re doing and once the timer is up, then proceed to pay attention to your child’s need. This method not only helps you child learn to be patient but also appreciates you for giving them an answer.
4. Coping skills
If you’re stuck in a stressful environment with your child, it is time to incorporate the coping mechanisms in their time. For example, if you’re trapped in a traffic jam, play a favourite game with your child or sing a song in the car.
There are so many coping skills that can be used in stressful environments. You just have to find the right one that your child will love. These coping skills will not only fill up their time during these hours but also build their character.
5. Activities that teaches patience
Nowadays, most kids would rather play online games on their devices than do outdoor activities like planting or board games. As a matter of fact, these activities not only teach your child about the value of patience but also it’s a great way to learn something new.
Choose a fun activity that teaches time and patience. It is recommended to get involved in these activities with your child. Through these activities, they will learn the value of patience.