One of the best parenting tips I’ve ever heard is “just wait”.
When they’re fussy…just wait. Really listen, pay attention to them. Look for the reason why. Are they tired, hungry, need to connect? Then you can take care of the need. When you rush, you don’t always notice the reason why they’re doing what they’re doing.
When it looks like they need some help with a problem…just wait. They will either amaze you with their problem solving skills or let you know when they need help. When you rush in, you take away the joy of them figuring it out on their own.
When they are stuttering over their words and taking forever to tell you their story…just wait. They will get it out and appreciate that you didn’t interrupt them. In the future they will be more likely to talk to you.
When you’re ready for them to be potty trained..just wait. They will show signs when they’re ready, and it will be so much easier on both of you.
When they’re busy playing and you want them to move onto something else…just wait. Let them finish their work and they will be more likely to comply.
As they grow, and they struggle with sharing with friends…just wait. They might show you their awesome negotiation skills.
Just wait. Be patient.
It’s so simple to understand, yet so hard to do.
But, if you just wait, slow down, and pay attention, your children will amaze you.
Please read this post from Janet Lansbury to read more about the concept of waiting.
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What a beautiful thing to remember! There are days that seem to drag on and on because of their behavior — but “just wait” works there too — there are so many better days!
Thanks for the link up!
Very, very true!
I love this parenting mantra. It’s so true! Just wait!!
Amanda, I read your blog often and every time I sit down to check out your latest posts it is like you are writing to me. I have noticed that since I have become a stay at home mom (I was a teacher before baby #2 was born last year) I have started over-analyzing everything WAYYYYYYY too much. Since I don’t have a classroom of students to analyze, I just focus TOO much energy on analyzing my kids…I need to practice the “just wait” mantra daily. After much over analysis of my 3 year-olds lack of desire to color/draw/”write” after countless ignored “invitations” — today she drew her first “person” — two arms, a head, two eyes and she “colored in the shirt.” At 38 months, she decided she was ready…and I just needed to stop pushing.
Thank you!!
It’s hard for me not to over-analyze too! Waiting and being patient is so difficult, but I’m always amazed at how my boys just do it one day. They don’t need pressure or lots of instruction, they will get it when they are ready. The problem is that I’m usually ready before they are! Congrats to your little girl for her person!
so true. this is such great advice. I know I said i wasn’t going to feature cohosts but you guys have such great posts that I think I have broken that rule every week, and this will be no different, gonna feature this tomorrow.
Haha! Thanks Monko for the feature!
Such good advice! I notice when I react less, which I think is similar to waiting, everything goes much smoother. I’m able to ask why, to empathize, to remove myself from the situation and not take everything so personally. Fantastic post!
Thanks Nina. Yes, I find that things just go a lot better when I’m not interfering with my kids. Mainly because I get my feelings in check first 🙂
Thanks .This is really true .
Great insight! Thanks, I’ll remind myself this frequently.
OMG this is so true and useful! I love it!
Oh so useful and easy to remember!!!
I LOVE it!
I wish I would have found out this site before my 31st week 😀
I had some difficulties but luckily, I overcame all of them and got many experiences for myself.
I love this reminder to just wait. Slowing down is so important in today’s fast paced world. I like how you say when they are struggling to get it out, just wait and they will appreciate you letting them get it out. Great point and that one is totally where I tend to jump in and try to help.