Research shows that patience is an essential life skill, and the ability to delay gratification and exercise self-control is a vital aspect of our children growing to be successful and happy adults. Therefore, we must endeavor to teach our children how to be patient from as early an age as possible. Here are three tips for doing exactly that:

• Take advantages of any opportunity for your child to practice waiting. For example, one of our top tips if they have a tendency to interrupt when you are speaking (as every child does!), is to ask them instead to place one hand on top of yours to get your attention. Place your hand on top of theirs to let them know that you’re aware that they would like to speak with you. Then be sure to give them your attention once you’ve finished speaking.
• Don’t give in to whining when a child isn’t able to get what they want. Teach them to wait, and if they continue to whine, use our tool “Diffusing Whining And Arguing” (you can find this in our upcoming book and can pre-order it by registering below)
• Resist the urge to interrupt them when they are playing alone, so that they get used to entertaining themselves and are comfortable in their own company.

Inspirational quotes:

“Patience is not simply the ability to wait – it’s how we behave while we are waiting.” – Joyce Mayer

These are just a few examples of our Best of Parenting Tools. You can find more ideas and solutions to typical parenting challenges in our book ‘Kids Don’t Come With a Manual – The Essential Guide to a Happy Family Life‘.