How to Have Patience With Children's Behaviors

Kids are on a different timetable than adults. With little or no notion of being on time or of taking too long, they move through the day on their natural, internal clocks. Parents do not have the luxury of always doing the same, however. Despite this, you can learn to be more patient with your child's behaviors. This might, in fact, help your child cut down on those negative behaviors.

Instructions

    • 1

      Cut down on the number of activities you do with your kids. Not everything on your to-do list must be accomplished today. Taking time to be with your child instead of hurrying her along helps build a strong relationship in which she is more apt to want to listen to you. The Attachment Parenting website suggests parents not overcommit themselves and their children to playgroups, extracurricular activities and other events that keep them from having quality downtime with their kids.

    • 2

      Rework your schedule so that you get to bed earlier. This simple tip from the Family Your Way website focuses on the fact that when you are rested, you are less likely to snap at your children or speak to them in an impatient tone of voice. Instead of saying, ̶0;You can put on your own clothes! Hurry up. It̵7;s time to go,̶1; you may find yourself calmly saying, ̶0;I am more than happy to help you buckle your shoes, which I know is difficult for you, after you are done putting on your shirt and pants.̶1;

    • 3

      Prevent situations that cause you to be impatient. Set out your children̵7;s clothes the night before if choosing them in the morning causes you to lose patience. Homework should be the first thing that older children do when they get home from school. Also, invite your children to help you set consequences and rules. This prevents arguments later because the kids are invested in the discipline process, the expectations are clear to them and your follow-through will be definite.

    • 4

      Use humor to lighten a stressful situation. For example, if your child is throwing a fit, you might say, ̶0;I know you can do better than that. The last time you did it, you impressed me with how loud you were.̶1; Parenting experts at Love and Logic suggest that humor can help defuse a difficult situation and help you keep your patience.

    • 5

      Use enforceable statements whenever possible and follow through. For example, you might say, ̶0;Dinner will remain on the table for only ten more minutes.̶1; If your child becomes angry or frustrated, demonstrate empathy by saying, ̶0;I know that you are hungry. It̵7;s sad that you chose not to eat. We will eat a big breakfast tomorrow, though.̶1;

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