Board Books to Help Littles Practice Patience
by Miranda Rosbach
Patience, like time, is primarily an abstract concept to babies and toddlers. But as babies grow and begin to have their needs met, they soon encounter the inevitability of waiting. Waiting for birthdays and holidays, a loose tooth to pry free, and learning a new skill like reading or riding a bike. Excited parents also wait for their first steps and first words. Waiting and patience are part of this game called life.
“Patience yields many good things” (a line from one of my favorite movies, Yentl) is a universal truth and one that we’ve certainly put to the test during the pandemic. Patience, like most things, takes practice. It’s not acquired all at once, and it needs continual renewal to be effective. As caregivers and teachers, we can help young children implement a few simple strategies to make waiting more bearable for everyone.
-
Sesame Street: Monster Meditation: Being Patient with Cookie Monster
Available from:Cookie Monster is waiting for his cookies to bake, but it takes forever. Mr. Andy suggests trying a meditation game, which Cookie Monster is happy to play. The meditation is based on the five senses and allows Cookie Monster to slow down his body and hone in on what he currently sees, smells, feels, hears, and tastes. With practice, this is the type of activity that a young child can do just about anywhere.
(On Sale: 6/29/21)Also available from: -
Mindfulness Moments for Kids: Bunny Breaths
Available from:A sleepy bunny awakes and wants a snack, but her body is still waking up. She sits up tall, puts her paws to her chest, and sniffs the air. Can you do it too? Bunny smells something orange and fresh popping up from the ground — she found her tasty snack. A simple introduction to mind and body awareness, with some great breathing techniques for tiny yogis.
Also available from: -
Get Well Soon, Spot
Available from:Poor Spot is not feeling well. His mom offers comfort, and Spot snuggles under his favorite blanket to get some much-needed rest. Spot’s friends unexpectedly arrive to provide support with juice, stories, and sweet treats. And while I don’t give my kids ice cream when they are sick (popsicle baths are more our thing), this short board book is an excellent reminder that time and patience will take care of most common colds.
Also available from: -
Everything Grows
Available from:Beloved children’s music artist Raffi brings his popular song to the page. This sturdy board book features various living things (plants, people, and animals) that all have something in common: they all grow! With simple text and joyful illustrations, it's perfect for pairing with spring or summertime garden planting.
Also available from: -
Peekaboo: A Touch-and-Feel Playbook
Available from:One of the first games we play with babies involves waiting in anticipation. That patience gets rewarded with the smiling face of a loved one. Similarly, this interactive book provides young readers with an anticipatory experience that rewards them as you read each page. Build your baby's patience with something as simple as a page turn and a textured image.
Also available from: -
Llama Llama Red Pajama
Available from:If your little one lacks patience at bedtime, this funny rhyming book provides perfect reassurance. Baby Llama is full of drama. After getting tucked in by Mama Llama, Baby Llama becomes increasingly distressed as he waits for her to come back.
Also available from:
