Books about Waiting

It is hard to wait! If waiting is a problem for your child or your class, you may see benefits from the many tools out there. Some advocate using timers or written (or drawn) schedules, which both have their uses and can be very helpful with wait times. Transition tools, such as special songs, pausing for stretching, or counting down to activities are also very helpful. 

Don’t forget to use stories to tackle new or hard things :) Reading about others who have trouble waiting can open up great discussions and help your child develop some self-regulation tools of their own. Putting the solution partially or completely in their hands encourages “ownership” of the ideas that are generated (sometimes with a little help steering 😉). 

  Two of my favorite authors have books on this topic - and there are lots more out there! Karma Wilson’s Bear series continues with “Bear Can’t Wait!” which has Bear so impatient to have a party for a friend, that he has some problems keeping it all together! He ALMOST wrecks the surprise altogether, but some teamwork pulls it all together at the end!

Mo Willems’ book “Waiting Is Not Easy!” shows how hard it is to wait for something, especially when it takes awhile for it to happen! Piggie’s surprise is worth waiting for, and this book (like all the other Mo Willems books) is SO fun to read!

As always, books are great jumping off points for identifying behaviors and problem solving. Use the stories to make connections, start discussions, and help your children grow. 

Have fun!