Do you know what it means to wait with God? Do your kids? Another way to say this is “having patience.” Today’s tip will give you practical ways to cultivate waiting well in your home.
“Waiting with God is a good thing and teaching our kids to wait is essential.” - Suz
Here are 3 ways to help your kids wait – 1 for Littles, 1 for Middles, and 1 for Bigs!
Littles:
Give them something practical to do while they wait. For example, have a snack if waiting for an appointment. If they want screen time, give them a book or toy to play with until it’s time to be on a screen. Find creative ways to “distract them” until it’s time – and tell them “This is what waiting feels like – let’s do it together with joy!”
Middles:
Often this group wants things of the world they are not ready for/mature enough to handle. The goal is to be informed not permissive when it comes to things of the world - asking them to wait starts with sharing the “why we need to wait.” We encourage you NOT TO LECTURE but to share your heart and ask them questions. Allow an open dialogue with this age group.
Bigs:
Realize they want to do things they are not physically ready to do and teach them to wait with your example. We see this a lot when kids start to drive, want their own room/privacy, or just pull away into their own world. Be aware of your pre-teen/teenager and be a safe place for them to process. Set boundaries that align with your family’s values but also extend trust. Invite them to wait with a purpose and talk to you about it along the way.
No matter what season your children are in, waiting is part of their everyday life. As parents, when we learn how to steward the “waiting seasons” well, we build strong relationships with our kids.
So, go parents and practice waiting well with your kids! When done well, it will help your kids mature physically, emotionally, and spiritually!
There are so many scriptures that help us show our kids God’s way to wait. If your child struggles with patience or waiting well – then start by reading through these scriptures to equip yourself with TRUTH to teach your kids from.
- Ephesians 4:32
- Psalm 21:14
- Isaiah 40:31
Also, check out Episode #247 to learn more about ways to teach our kids to wait.
