Teaching your child to 'wait' calmly using a Simple Strategy

Chrissy Fiore
Aug 14, 2024
2 min read

If your child is struggling emotionally when 'waiting' is required, this can lead to challenging behaviors, breakdown in relationships, and negatively impact your child's school readiness/academic success. Young children have limited concept of time. Waiting for just a few seconds can feel like an eternity to them.

The ability to 'wait' and remain calm internally, is a learned skill. Even as parents, we want to know 'how much longer' will we have to wait for that doctor or DMV to call for your turn. Simply said, people like to know 'how much longer'.

Simple Strategy #1- "The 54321 Countdown"

The concept behind these simple steps below have been tried and true with 100% of my clients and students. -PCK Coach/Owner, Mary Bush, M.Ed. ITDS/SLP-A

PCK Coaches are equipped to customize Simple Strategies and beyond to align with your child's unique needs, your approach to parenting, and your family's core values.

Start Small- First, choose a routine your child already knows and enjoys, such as playdoh.
Before opening the playdoh (or starting your chosen activity), count down out loud, "54321". When you get to "one", give your child the playdoh (or other activity)
Find additional activities your child does well and waits for, such as getting out of the car seat. Before taking your child out, count down out loud, "54321", when you get to 'one', take them out of the car seat.
Pretty soon, your child will be very familiar with the 54321 Countdown Strategy and you can use this to help them wait in other instances when they have a hard time waiting.
Learn to count SLOWLY if your child needs to wait longer. Count FAST if your child
doesn't have to wait long. Your child will know something is going to happen when you get to 'ONE' and they will be more prepared, more calm, and more patient.
With consistency and positivity, your child will become familiar with this and know what to expect. Keep it fun:)

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