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Just Be Patient! Books for Teaching Your Kids Patience.

Jun 15, 2024

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As parents, we have an obligation to teach our kids how to love even as we ourselves are still learning. And if you've spent any time around a 3-year-old recently, you'll know exactly how desperately those feral humans need some freaking patience. Although you'll probably have to wait until they age out of the "Mom! Mom! Mom! Mom!" stage to really get some peace and quiet, here are some of my favorite books to at least introduce the concept of waiting.


For Toddlers and Preschoolers (Ages 2-5)

"Waiting Is Not Easy!" by Mo Willems

This delightful book features the beloved characters Elephant and Piggie. Gerald the Elephant learns a valuable lesson in patience when Piggie tells him he must wait for a surprise.


"Waiting" by Kevin Henkes

This beautifully illustrated book tells the story of several toys waiting on a windowsill, each waiting for something special to happen.


"Llama Llama Red Pajama" by Anna Dewdney

Llama Llama has a hard time waiting for his mama to come back at bedtime. The story teaches about dealing with impatience and the importance of being calm.



For Early Elementary (Ages 5-8)


"Waiting for Wings" by Lois Ehlert

This vibrant book explains the lifecycle of butterflies, teaching children about the patience required for these beautiful creatures to grow and transform.


"The Carrot Seed" by Ruth Krauss

This classic story follows a little boy who plants a carrot seed and waits patiently, despite others' doubts. It highlights persistence and belief in the face of skepticism.


"Be Patient, Pandora!" by Joan Holub

Part of the "Goddess Girls" series, this book tells the story of young Pandora, who learns about the value of patience through a fun and engaging narrative.



For Middle Elementary (Ages 8-12)


"Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White

This classic tale of friendship and loyalty features themes of patience as the characters wait and hope for a miracle to save Wilbur the pig.


"How to Train Your Dragon" by Cressida Cowell

Hiccup's journey to become a dragon trainer involves a lot of patience and perseverance. The book is filled with adventures and life lessons.


"The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane" by Kate DiCamillo

This moving story of a toy rabbit who learns about love, loss, and patience on his journey teaches profound lessons in waiting and hoping.



For Preteens and Young Teens (Ages 12-14)


"Wonder" by R.J. Palacio

This inspirational story about a boy with a facial difference emphasizes themes of empathy, kindness, and patience as he navigates school life and teaches those around him.


"A Wrinkle in Time" by Madeleine L'Engle

This science fiction classic involves a journey across space and time, where the characters learn about patience, trust, and the importance of love and family.


"Out of My Mind" by Sharon M. Draper

This powerful novel about a girl with cerebral palsy who finds her voice emphasizes patience, resilience, and the importance of understanding and empathy.

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