What Can Your Child Do While Waiting for Life's Milestones? | Patience is one of the most valuable life skills a child can develop, yet it’s often one of the hardest to practice—especially when they see friends hitting milestones before they do. Whether it’s losing a first tooth, learning to ride a bike, or reaching a big achievement in school, waiting can feel frustrating and lonely. As parents, we want to reassure our children that they are on their own unique timeline. That’s why books like Wonder in the Waiting help kids understand that waiting is not about being left behind—it’s about growing in their own time. In this post, we’ll explore: A) strategies to help children develop patience, B) ways to foster a sense of belonging even when they feel “behind,” and C) important life lessons children learn while they wait. Helping Children Develop Patience When Friends Reach Milestones First It’s natural for kids to compare themselves to their friends, but patience is a skill they can build with the right support. Here are four strategies to help your child develop patience: 1. Celebrate Their Own Milestones Instead of focusing on what hasn’t happened yet, highlight the things your child has accomplished. Maybe they haven’t lost their first tooth, but they learned to tie their shoes, mastered a puzzle, or made a new friend. 👉 Try this: Create a “Look What I Did!” chart where your child can track their own achievements, big or small. 2. Use Positive Affirmations Kids absorb the messages they hear. Reinforce the idea that they are on their own perfect timeline with affirmations like: ✅ “I am growing at the right time.” ✅ “Great things are worth the wait.” ✅ “My time will come, and I will be ready.” 👉 Try this: Say an affirmation together each morning to start the day with confidence. 3. Teach the Power of Perspective Help kids shift their focus from comparison to curiosity. Instead of thinking, Why hasn’t it happened to me yet?, they can ask, What can I learn while I wait? 👉 Try this: When your child feels left out, ask them to notice something great about themselves that has nothing to do with a milestone. 4. Read Books That Reinforce Patience Children’s books like Wonder in the Waiting help kids see that waiting is part of growing up. Reading about characters who experience the same feelings can be comforting and empowering. 👉 Try this: After reading Wonder in the Waiting, ask your child: Have you ever had to wait for something special? How did you feel when it finally happened? Fostering a Sense of Belonging When Friends Seem Ahead When children feel like they’re the only ones who haven’t reached a milestone, they may struggle with feeling left out. Here are three ways to help them feel included and valued: |
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AboutHere you'll find topics related to my books, tips for parents, book reviews, and author chats about the ins and outs of the writing process. I'll share information about publishing, publishers, contests and opportunities for children's book writers and illustrators as well. 
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