How do you teach a child the value of patience?

[BradyLS]

You teach the value of patience by setting goals that cannot be achieved quickly (Mastering a skill, for example.) By encouraging perseverance at the first signs of failure (try, try again). And by showing through example how to be patient for things yourself (such as not becoiming upset over unforeseen delays).

[Pagey]

No meant No---You work for what you want to achieve,( money for a bigger bike)so a paper route when your 8 years old is what I started delivering.(I wanted alot you see)When I wanted to be the best Skater in our Valley ( late 70's) it took desire to become what I wanted and acceptance(which surely came from my strong belief on God) that I couldn't have That Title right away.(I later found titles don't mean a thing.)They never caved in either,and Thank God. For Example,once I passed my Algebra Class in 8th grade,Geometry was next (and easier) but Algebra 2 and Trig. threw me for a loop (because I wasn't listening as much) and I thought I'd never pass either of those classes,but I finally did.That's some patience I'll tell you.How'd I acquire that? A strong family unit and faith in God. Please see #42, as he certainly annunciates it better than I could ever put into words, and Welcome to F.R.

[Pagey]

Of Course I meant post #41!

[savedbygrace]

Wait until they're ready.

[MortMan]

In our house, when Mom or Dad is busy, the kids are told to wait - to hold their questions until Mom or Dad can listen. If the child is insistent (and it's not a real emergency), then the answer to their request is "No, because you wouldn't wait until I could listen to you".

Also, when talking to your child, make sure they wait for you to finish speaking before they start. Then make sure to afford them the same courtesy (I'm not so great at this part:-).

Consistency is a key to these techniques.

These are small instances, but everyone learns the small things first, and then progresses to the bigger ones. We're still working on our three (11, 9, and 3 years old), but we're hopeful.

[bankwalker]

Enroll them early in a TRADITIONAL martial arts school after extensive shopping and intructor interviews. Every hour spent there will teach patience (among other things) and, as a bonus, keep them away from the evil TV.

[perfect stranger]

Thanks for the welcome.........