Comments on: Giving Kids Time to Respond

By: Sharyn

Sharyn — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 22:23:30 +0000

guilty as charged sometimes you get so frusterated though especially if you know they did something that they werent supposed to.

By: Won-Mee

Won-Mee — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 03:11:17 +0000

Thank you for writing this. I am so guilty of being impatient when it comes to waiting for a response! I will definitely try to remember the power of the 5! Thanks!

By: 10 Fab Posts From May | Planning With Kids

10 Fab Posts From May | Planning With Kids — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:01:13 +0000

[...] from Makes and Takes shares a simple tip on communicating with children – give the time they need to respond, before [...]

By: Racheli

Racheli — Sun, 24 May 2009 00:25:30 +0000

I can’t agree more. I feel like I contantly have to remind that to all the grandparents, aunts and uncles.

By: Cicada

Cicada — Fri, 22 May 2009 05:40:54 +0000

Good thing I’m learning this now! A problem I have, similar to the first comment, is phrasing things, “Do you want to…?” So, “Do you want to sit in your chair?”

The answer is always a very honest “No!”

By: Kathy

Kathy — Wed, 20 May 2009 20:57:32 +0000

What a great idea! Wish I could kindly suggest it to the many people in public who ask my children questions and expect an instant answer, and look confusedly at *me* when they don’t get it. If they’d only wait a few moments, and perhaps give an encouraging smile, they would receive an appropriate response. Also–it serves as a good reminder for sibling communication.Thank you!

By: EWian

EWian — Mon, 18 May 2009 08:48:29 +0000

So true, signalling I’ll wait for you answer/ I’ll give you time show is one way of showing your children/kid/students respect. I am agreeing with RookieMom Heather Impatience is not just wasted on our kids

EWian

By: PlanningQueen

PlanningQueen — Sun, 17 May 2009 11:36:20 +0000

Such a simple but powerful tip for parents. I am sure that it will help improve your communication with your kids.

By: RookieMom Heather

RookieMom Heather — Sat, 16 May 2009 21:01:40 +0000

Marie, this is so true! I noticed it this morning on my son before I read your post; he’s four.

Without wanting to sound like too much of an Ugly American, I remember learning about this tactic when I was about to go work in Europe and it was also effective then. Rather than counting to five, we were taught to wait, wait a little longer, and then wait just a big more to give people time to process our questions. Impatience is not just wasted on our kids.

By: Amy Jo

Amy Jo — Sat, 16 May 2009 15:06:24 +0000

Good reminder! I try to do this before reminding my kids to say “thank you” too. They remember 90% of the time if I allow enough time before reminding. But I want to hear that phrase immediately!