Parenting Thoughts

Babies (6 mos. and younger) – It is best not to make them wait very long. It is better to go to them when they are clearly
crying to let you know they need something (food, changing, or just comforting).  When you answer their cries – not whimpers in the monitor – but actual cries, you teach them the world is an OK place and that they can trust you.

Young kids (18 months to three-years-old) – You can teach them about waiting every time you insist they do what you want them to do while they are loudly saying “no.” When you do this you are doing two things:

• Letting them tell you they have their own ideas and are starting to think for themselves.

• Making them wait until a better time to get what they want.

Older kids (school ages) – Older kids start to understand that waiting can payoff. They learn that waiting is about making a plan and sticking to it to get what they want in the end.  Caring adults can help children make smart plans and encourage them to be persistent and patient.

Inspired by BETTY BUNNY LOVES CHOCOLATE CAKE by Michael B. Kaplan

For more information about kids and waiting: Learning to Wait