Children have a shorter attention span than adults, commonly making then seem impatient. The best way to teach your children to be patient is to set an example and be patient in your actions. It also helps to give them something to do while they need to wait, and pay attention to them when you can so there is a balance between having patience and also having their needs met, suggests clinical social worker Bette Freedson in her article "Teaching Kids Patience," published by the National Association of Social Workers. Games are useful in teaching your kids to be patient without the feeling of being disciplined.
Step 1
Choose an age appropriate board game for your children. Games for small children may be too simple for older kids and defeat the purpose of teaching them patience, as they can easily get bored. Games intended for older kids may be too complicated for young children and they will loose their attention span more quickly. Some games such as snakes and ladders can be played by a wide range of ages.
Step 2
Set up the game and read the rules out loud so each player is aware of how to play the game. When you read the rules, stress the importance of giving each player time to play their own turn.
Step 3
Play with your kids for the first few rounds in order to monitor the dynamics of the game. If one player seems to have a hard time being patient with others, show patience during his turn and then ask him how it felt to be respected and given time. This will help him realize how it feels to others when he is patient with them.
Step 4
Check in as the game progresses without you to make sure patience is being practiced throughout the game. According to Dr. Marilyn Heins in her article "Teaching Kids Patience" published on her website Parent Kids Right, children learn patience by playing board games because it helps them not only learn to wait for their turn but it also teaches them that in some games you win and in others you lose.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid using harsh discipline to teach your children patience, as this sets an example of impatience and may confuse your children emotionally. Remember, they are not choosing to be impatient, they are learning to be patient.
Things You'll Need
- Board games
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