Forbearance - The Pause That Changes Parenting

⭐ Here are five ways to teach a child forbearance:

1. 1. Teach pausing as a skill

   Make pausing intentional.
   Situations:

   1. Counting before responding.
   2. Breathing before speaking
   3. Standing still before moving

2. 2. Slow transitions

   Rushed transitions fuel reactivity.
   Situations:
   1. Five-minute warnings
   2. Visual schedules
   3. Calm cues before change

3. 3. Coach restraint during calm moments
   Learning sticks when emotions are low.
   Situations:
   1. Role-playing frustration
   2. Talking through alternatives
   3. Practising calm words

4. 4. Allow manageable frustration
   Growth happens in small discomforts.
   Situations:
   1. Struggling with puzzles
   2. Waiting for turns
   3. Accepting "not now"

5. 5. Reinforce the pause
   Name restraint when you see it
   Situations:
   1. "You stopped yourself.”

   2. “You waited.”

   3. “You stayed calm.”