Patience is a Virtue: Why Teaching Kids Patience is Important

Patience is a virtue that most children lack and most parents aspire to teach. It is one of the most important traits a child can develop, as it helps them in all areas of life- from academic success to social and emotional well-being. However, this ability to be patient is a skill that takes time and practice to develop. 

When kids don’t get something instantly, they feel that they won’t get it. This leads to various negative outcomes like temper issues, irritation, frustration- which if not addressed appropriately can lead to lack of self esteem and confidence. In some extreme cases, it can also lead to mental health issues. 

Parents need to make sure that kids understand that not getting what they want right away doesn’t mean they can’t have it, or that it won’t happen. They just need to wait and persevere. 

Now, let’s take a look at why teaching kids patience is so important-

1. Teaches life skills

When children learn how to be patient and take the time to appreciate what they have, they will be better prepared for the real world and the many challenges that await them. Practicing patience is a good way to help kids learn how to control their reactions to situations, whether negative or positive.

2. Builds self-esteem

As children learn to control their impulses and delay gratification, they will also learn that they are capable of achieving difficult tasks. As a result, they will have higher self-esteem, which will help them develop positive relationships with others.

3. Patience gives kids self-control

Kids need to develop self-control and emotional regulation in order to make good choices in life. Learning how to manage their feelings and waiting for their turn helps kids feel more in control, even in situations where they would normally feel frustrated or angry.

4. Helps kids with academic success

Children who are able to be patient and delay gratification are more likely to be successful both academically and in life in general. This is because they are able to control their impulses, focus on tasks, and persevere through difficult tasks or situations. All of these skills are essential for academic success as well as success in other areas of life such as relationships, jobs, and hobbies.

5. Helps build good relationships

Patience is an important characteristic, especially in children. It is said that a person's greatest emotional need, in childhood and adulthood, is the need for nurturing and love. People who are patient are better able to show love to others and also be better at accepting love from others. This can help a child's relationship with his or her parents, siblings, and friends.

6. Builds confidence in kids

If a child learns patience early in life, he or she will develop "inner fortitude" and won't be so easily upset by little things. It will also make it easier for them to deal with difficult situations, such as delays, frustrations, and roadblocks.

Patience is one of the most important virtues that parents can instill in their children. It's a virtue that will help them throughout their lives, especially as they learn to navigate social interactions and manage their emotions. Teaching kids to be patient can help them develop strong social skills. It allows them to better understand and empathize with others, and it gives them the ability to regulate their emotions better. All of these skills are essential for success in life.

In addition to the above, teaching kids to be patient can help them in school, at home, and in their future careers. When children are patient, they’re able to control their impulses and emotions better. They’re able to think more clearly and make better decisions. They also tend to have better relationships with others.

If you are looking for ways to build patience in kids, read more here. 

We, at Bodhishishu, teach patience to kids through age-appropriate tools like animations, stories, worksheets, activities and more, that work on deeper levels and help children build patience as a behaviour. To know more about our patience building course for kids, know more here.