How to teach a toddler to have patience?

Question

I know it’s normal for a toddler to have a short attention span and to not be patient.  But how would you teach patience?

Answer

I would try teaching them to wait. Start with food or a favorite toy offer it to them but before giving it tell them to wait. Set a timer for 5 seconds and when it goes off give it to them. Slowly increase the time (5 seconds, 10, 20) and fade out the timer. You should be able to get them to wait for a few minutes. Hopefully it will teach your child that they will still get what they want but they may have to wait a few minutes to get it. You can do it several times a day and across multiple settings.

Answer

Maybe identify when you’re having to use patience and showing coping mechanisms  “we are waiting our turn in the grocery line, want to practice a rainbow breath with me? What color do you want to start with?” Another is “bear hugs” when they are overwhelmed. When my son wants a toy I’ll say it’s not on our list but would you like to take a picture to remember what you wanted? Etc. mainly they will practice what they observe, from what I understand.

Answer

🤷🏻‍♀️ went to a small amusement park over the weekend and my girl was not happy to wait. All I repeated was “we have patience and manners” and she’d be okay for 30 seconds and then pipe up again upset. So we would repeat that phrase. Point of the squirrels and birds nearby.

How to teach a toddler to have patience?

The Top Baby Tracker App: Embrace New Beginnings with Tender Care

The Top Fertility Tracker App: Your Path to Achieving Pregnancy

The Top Pregnancy App: Nurturing Your Journey to Motherhood

The Top Period Tracker for Empowering Your Menstrual Health Journey