While reading the Bible, I found inspiration for a series of blog posts that I have been working on. The series I recently posted is based on Proverbs chapter 20 verses 4, 7.
Today’s blog post is about teaching kids patience.
As a busy mom, it’s important to learn patience. There is always something to do or somewhere to go.
Also, when working with your kiddos, spouse, or anyone really, having patience is an important characteristic to have.
Now am I saying that I am always patient? NO! However, it’s a quality that I desire to strive for.
Maybe that is why I was compelled to write this blog post.
Our children must learn patience. Maybe they want dessert and you have to say wait till after dinner. Or maybe they want you to buy them something and their birthday is coming up. So they need to wait till then.
Just before Christmas, my kids wanted to go to Dollar Tree and buy their little niece and little nephews a Christmas present.
Somewhere along the line in our shopping, my 12-year-old spotted something he wanted to purchase for himself.
Now my daughter had already slipped out and purchased one of these things he wanted, for a stocking stuffer.
Yet, not knowing this, of course, he got impatient at me telling him, that he would have to wait till after Christmas to go buy anything for himself.
He couldn’t figure out why he couldn’t buy that item right then.
I would have to ask myself if that’s how I am sometimes. I’m sure, I know the answer!
My husband says that I pray for patience and say I want it right now. Haha
Everyone’s a comedian, especially him.
What is Patience
According to an online dictionary from a Google search, patience means the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset:
The Bible says in Psalm 27:14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage,
and he shall strengthen thine heart:
wait, I say, on the Lord.
Scripture teaches us the importance of patience here and encourages us along the way. God promises to strengthen us while we are waiting
Why is Patience so Important in our Daily Lives
Patience is a virtue that is often overlooked in the fast-paced world in which we live. It is often easy to get caught up in the rush of things and forget the importance of taking a deep breath and waiting for things to unfold naturally. As a busy mom of 8 children, I can attest to the importance of patience in daily life.
One of the reasons why patience is so important is that it helps us to remain calm and composed in the face of difficult situations. When we are patient, we can take a step back and assess the situation before reacting. This can help us to make better decisions and avoid making mistakes that we may later regret.
Parent-Child Relationships Can Be Improved Through Patience
Patience is the key to creating a deep and meaningful connection with your child.
Moms learning to be patient can have a closer relationship with their kids. It helps them feel loved, safe, and secure.
We model to our children how just like God has patience with us, we should model patience to our kids.
A little patience allows us to listen to what our children need or what concerns they may have. An example of this would maybe be not always rushing them out of the room or telling them to be quiet when they are trying to tell us something. I’m telling this to myself moms.
Sure our children may tell us a story or ask us a question several times, but when we intently listen to them, that shows them we value them.
It also shows patience lived out before our children.
Now like I said earlier, this is something that I continually work on, with God’s help.
However, it is a characteristic that is so important to God and something that our world needs more of today more than ever.
Why is Patience so Important for Moms
As a mom, you are constantly being challenged to practice patience in many different ways.
From dealing with tantrums and meltdowns to managing sibling rivalry and conflict resolution to helping your child with their schoolwork.
Patience is an irreplaceable tool in your toolkit.
Patience helps you to stay calm and respond to your child’s needs with understanding and compassion, rather than reacting with frustration or anger.
Moreover, patience is not only important for your relationship with your children but also for your well-being.
When you practice patience, you are less likely to feel stressed or overwhelmed by the demands of motherhood or anything else.
You can better maintain a positive attitude and enjoy the family that God has given you.
How can Moms practice showing patience to their children
There are different tools that we can use to be patient with our children.
Such as counting to 10 when things get stressful, or just taking a break and leaving the room till you can regain your composure.
After all, we need to model patience. Children learn by example, so it’s important to model the behavior you want to see in them. When you demonstrate patience and self-control in your actions, you are showing your children how to do the same.
Now in saying that, God always has got to be your first line of defense when learning this important virtue. We all love our children and we love God.
So what is one of the best ways to model this love?
It shows God, giving patience to our kids.
Now this doesn’t replace discipline and letting your kids get away with doing wrong.
However, it is being patient in discipline, in teaching our kids, or even when they make mistakes.
There will be a day of righteous judgment upon the world one day, but today God is showing us continual patience to move us closer to him.
That is what we want for our kids and our families, to show and teach patience before them.
Then it’s a skill they will learn and can take with them throughout their life.
Why Do Our Children Need to Learn Patience For Themselves
Patience is something often overlooked in the world today. If we want something or want to do something many times we act on it before even considering if that is the best thing to do.
Can we pay for it? Is it going to be put on a credit card? Do I need to go there? Is that what God wants for me? The questions are endless and nobody has time to wait on being patient. OUCH!
As parents, we want our children to have things they need and want (within reason), and we often forget that waiting for something can be just as important as receiving it.
Teaching our children to be patient with themselves is a valuable lesson that will benefit them through life.
When our children learn to be patient with themselves, they learn to take their time and do things right the first time. They learn to persevere through difficult tasks and to not give up when things get tough. They also learn that mistakes are a part of the learning process and that it’s okay to take a step back and try again.
Additionally, learning patience helps our children to develop empathy for others. When they see how difficult it can be to wait for something they want, they begin to understand how others may feel when they are waiting for something important in their own lives. This empathy can help our children to become more compassionate and understanding adults.
Moreover, teaching our children to be patient with themselves is an important life skill that will serve them well in all areas of their lives. By instilling this value in them from a young age, we can help them develop into confident, resilient, and compassionate individuals who are ready to face any challenge that comes their way.
Lastly, teaching our children to be patient and wait on God is essential for their lives. As Christians, we pray and ask God to help us in different areas of our lives. Patience is a great tool to help us to rest in God and be still. Knowing that in due time we will reap if we faint not.
How Do You Teach a Child to Be Patient
an important part of parenting? By modeling patience, making waiting fun, and praising good behavior, you can help your children develop this important skill that will benefit
As a mom, you likely understand the importance of teaching your children the value of patience. It is an incredibly important skill that will serve them well throughout their entire lives. Teaching patience can be a challenge, but with the right approach, it can be a rewarding experience for both you and your children.
One of the best ways to teach your children patience is to model it yourself. Children learn by example, and if they see you exhibiting patience in your daily life, they are more likely to follow suit.
Take the time to explain to your children why patience is important and how it can benefit them in the long run.
We can also point our children to examples in the Bible of people who demonstrated patience, such as Joseph, who waited many years before his dreams were fulfilled, or Job, who endured great suffering with patience.
Also, think about Abraham. He had to wait a long time to be able to have a child.
I have always heard it said that good things come to those who wait.
Another effective way to teach patience is to make waiting fun. This may sound counterintuitive, but by turning waiting into a game or a fun activity, your children will be more likely to exhibit patience.
For example, you can play “I Spy” while waiting in line or have your children try to find hidden objects in the waiting room.
Finally, it is important to praise your children when they exhibit patience. Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool, and by acknowledging and praising your children’s good behavior, you are more likely to see it repeated in the future.
Ideas That Help Teach Kids Patience
- Jenga: This classic game requires players to carefully remove wooden blocks from a tower without causing it to collapse. It teaches patience and precision.
- Chess: Chess is a strategic board game that requires patience and forward thinking. Players must take their time to plan their moves and anticipate their opponent’s next moves.
- Sudoku: Sudoku puzzles require logical thinking and patience to solve. Kids can learn to be patient as they work through the puzzle, filling in numbers one by one.
- Memory Matching Game: Memory games require players to remember the placement of cards or tiles and match them together. It helps kids develop patience as they take turns and concentrate on finding matches.
- Fishing Game: A simple fishing game, either with a toy set or a digital version, can teach kids patience as they wait for the “fish” to bite and reel them in.
- Puzzle Games (e.g., Tangrams): Puzzle games like Tangrams or jigsaw puzzles require patience and problem-solving skills as kids figure out how to fit the pieces together to complete the picture or pattern.
- Planting and Gardening: Gardening activities allow kids to learn patience as they wait for seeds to sprout, plants to grow, and flowers to bloom. It teaches them the value of nurturing and waiting for results.
- Building with Blocks or LEGO: Building structures with blocks or LEGO bricks requires patience and attention to detail. Kids learn to be patient as they carefully construct their creations, piece by piece.
- Playing Musical Instruments: Learning to play a musical instrument, such as the piano or guitar, requires patience and practice. Kids learn to be patient as they work on mastering new songs and techniques.
- Board Games (e.g., Monopoly): Board games like Monopoly involve strategic decision-making and patience as players wait for their turn and work towards their goals.
These games not only teach patience but also offer valuable opportunities for kids to develop other skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and social interaction.
Remember that patience is a journey, not a destination, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you stumble along the way.
It takes time to develop these skills in our children as well as grow in patience for ourselves.
Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, and trust that He will give you the strength and wisdom you need to be the best mom you can be and have patience while you wait.