• Published by Aurel Saragih  

Waiting does not feel good for children, especially for children aged 4-7 years who are still developing their social interaction skills. Waiting takes a long time, is unpredictable and makes children feel that other people are being cared for more when it's their turn. Take it easy parents, there are several strategies we can do at home to get our children used to waiting for their turn.

Give alternating verbal cues

Children will feel frustrated if their toys are taken away while playing or even if they hear the sound of a timer that sounds when the time is up. Children will be angry and do not want to share their toys with their siblings or even other children who are playing together. Therefore, we give a signal before the child gives the toy. For example, we can say “when you're done, later A wants to play with it, OK?” Usually children will realize that someone else wants to use their toys after 15-20 minutes of playing.

Use alternating cards

Make a 6x7 cm card with a child's photo and make one for their brother or sister so that every family member at home has the same card. This card is used when children are playing together at home. When it's his turn, the child will raise his card to say "now it's my turn!". Teach children to wait and give time to those who are playing.

Invite children in group activities

Group activities such as listening to music, playing games such as monopoly or snakes and ladders also teach children to take turns. Teach the rules of the game to children so that they will feel involved in the game. When he forgets to take turns, remind him again that in this game the rules are to take turns.

Give praise when the child is willing to take turns

Sometimes we forget to give praise to children who have been patient and provide opportunities for others. When the child shows this behavior, give praise such as "you are very patient waiting for your sister to play with her dolls, you can play 5 minutes longer later, okay?" Praise will be a reinforcement for children to know that taking turns is good behavior and must be done when playing with other children.

What to do when all of these things have been done but the child still doesn't want to take turns? Especially if our child has a tantrum? This happens if the child does not find a reason why he has to exchange toys with other children or does not even know what to do while waiting. Therefore what we can do is to give children the understanding that waiting is good so that other people want to play with us. While waiting, the thing we can do is do other things, for example playing squishy ball or other things that children enjoy.

Reference

https://www.theottotoolbox.com/turn-taking/ 

Written by Sarah Aurelia, S.Psi from the BehaviorPals Centre.

Taking turn, teaching taking turn in child, children

Children 4 Years - 6 Years / 4 Tahun - 6 Tahun / Parenting / Pola Asuh / Family / Keluarga / 4 Ways to Teach Taking-Turn Ability to Children

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