Teaching young children how to wait their turn is an essential skill that supports social interaction, patience, and communication. For children who need extra support, including autistic children, learning to wait can be challenging but manageable with clear, positive steps. This article outlines 6 positive steps for waiting my turn, focusing on what children can do instead of what to avoid.
Why Is Waiting My Turn Important?
Waiting for a turn helps children develop self-control, respect for others, and effective communication skills. It reduces frustration and conflict in group settings like classrooms, playgrounds, or family activities. According to the American Psychological Association, teaching patience and turn-taking supports emotional regulation and social competence.
6 Positive Steps to Teach Waiting My Turn
1. Notice My Turn
Help children recognize when it is their turn or when they need to wait. Visual cues like a timer, a turn-taking card, or a simple gesture can support this awareness.
2. Use My Words or AAC
Encourage children to communicate their desire to have a turn using words, signs, pictures, or AAC devices. Phrases like “My turn please” or “Wait please” empower children to express themselves clearly.
3. Choose a Waiting Activity
Provide options for children to engage in a quiet or calming activity while waiting, such as looking at a book, playing with a fidget toy, or drawing. This helps prevent boredom and frustration.
4. Watch and Wait Patiently
Teach children to watch what others are doing and wait calmly. Reinforce patience by praising calm behavior and providing gentle reminders if needed.
5. Say “My Turn” When Ready
When it is their turn, children can announce it confidently using their communication method. This signals readiness and helps transition smoothly.
6. Enjoy My Turn!
Celebrate the child’s turn with positive reinforcement. Enjoying the activity fully encourages motivation and positive associations with waiting.
How Parents Can Support Waiting Skills
Parents can support these steps by modeling turn-taking, using visual schedules, and keeping instructions clear and simple. Teaching replacement skills like asking for a break or help can also reduce frustration during waiting times. For example, if a child feels overwhelmed waiting, they can say “Break please” or “Help please” to communicate their needs effectively.
Consistent praise such as “Great job waiting your turn!” or “I like how you used your words!” reinforces positive behavior. Reducing unnecessary demands and offering choices during waiting periods also helps children feel more in control and less anxious.
For more strategies on managing emotions during waiting or transitions, see our articles on Handling Frustration: 6 Positive Steps for Young Children and Asking for a Break: 6 Positive Steps for Young Children.
Key Takeaways
- Waiting my turn is a vital social skill that promotes patience and communication.
- Use clear, positive steps focusing on what the child can do.
- Support communication through words, signs, or AAC.
- Provide engaging waiting activities and reinforce calm behavior.
- Celebrate and praise successful turn-taking to build confidence.
What strategies have you found helpful when teaching your child to wait their turn?
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