How to Teach Kids Patience Through Nature
While children are blessed with oh-so many wondrous traits, patience does not typically top the list. But as parents, guardians, and educators, we must recognize the importance of being patient with their innate inability to wait for whatever outcome they are anticipating. Remember, it wasn’t that long ago that your kids/students were just babies. Babies are (or at least appear to be) impatient because they have very sensitive systems, are unable to verbally communicate their needs, and live in a world of limited understanding and dexterity. Since they lack the cognitive ability to understand time or control their environment, any delay in getting their immediate needs met can lead to frustration and cries for comfort and care. Young adolescents, who have recently just graduated from infant and toddler status, are also naturally impatient because their brains are rapidly evolving. They are still learning the concept of time, and they struggle with self-control and the discomfort associated with delayed gratification. So while we as adults fall on our default of using words to implore them to be patient, we find that such pleas land on deaf ears. This is where the above Ralph Waldo Emerson quote above speaks volumes.
The more a child spends time immersed in nature, and the more a parent, guardian, or educator takes the time to point out how Mother Earth thrives in maintaining her composure, the more a child will learn to become more patient themselves. Please keep reading.
Four Powerful Ways Increasing Time Spent Within (and observing) Nature Teaches Children to Become More Patient
Shows How it Takes Time to Grow
Take children on frequent exploratory hikes and walks through the same local forest trails and eco-parks through all four seasons. Be sure to point out new growth shrubs, trees, plants, and other flora so that as each month passes, children witness the slow but progressive growth. Watching and waiting for it all to grow teaches children patience by requiring them to accept and trust a slow, non-linear process of development. To supplement this, get them involved in gardening. It instills a sense of resilience when setbacks occur and demonstrates that diligent, consistent effort over time yields rewarding results. This provides for the balance needed to contrast the expectation of instant gratification common in modern life.
Shows How Wildlife Solves Problems, One Attempt at a Time
When children spend lots of time in nature, they will witness cute birds, rodents (groundhogs, squirrels, etc.), raccoons, and other critters attempt to solve all sorts of problems. They work through challenges to feed and clean themselves, build shelters, avoid hazards, and overcome obstacles. Things rarely go as planned, which can result in some pretty amusing situations. Entertainment aside, watching wildlife go through these trials and tribulations teaches kids patience by requiring them to slow down, be present, and observe without rushing. It fostering a deep appreciation for the natural process of waiting and observation, and dealing with challenges as they arise. For instance, you don’t see a Pacific Wren quit when a Golden-crowned Sparrow swoops in to steal its Juniper berry. It adapts, and moves forward by seeking sustenance elsewhere without carrying a grudge. By observing animals’ own patient behaviors, children learn to value the reward of waiting for the right moment. Rewatch the classic Ice Age scene below to remind your child what wildlife goes through on a daily basis, and they won’t be bothered about not getting something they seek without some added effort…and patience:
If You Want to Make Weather Laugh, Tell it About Your Plans
The above paraphrases an old Yiddish proverb, but it reigns true when it comes to the rain, sleet, snow, and windstorms that nature flings one’s way when plans were made by your child/household for an outdoor adventure or class for a field trip. Weather teaches children about patience by forcing them to accept what they cannot control and by demonstrating that difficult times, like storms, are temporary. The natural cycle of seasonal weather (and one-off weather events) and the slow, steady pace of nature provide a powerful reminder that growth and change happen on their own timeline, not on ours. As a parent, guardian, or educator you can also teach them to embrace the disruption and have FUN. That means going ahead with plans to work in a community garden while rain pours on the heads from the giant watering can in the sky (that visual helps young ones get a kick out of it) or to press-on with a local beach cleanup when the wind turns their garbage bags into impromptu kites (hold on tight).
Fulfills Other Things That Try Their Patience
In some cases, childhood issues with patience may be linked to emotional and mental strain that results in a feeling of being overwhelmed, difficulty expressing needs or emotions, and/or a lack of understanding of social rules like turn-taking. There may even be underlying issues like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or a chronic lack of sleep due to childhood anxiety and stress.
Research consistently shows that nature alleviates anxiety by lowering stress hormones like cortisol, boosting mood-enhancing neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, and promoting mindfulness through sensory engagement with the environment. This will have a beneficial impact on those who struggle with patience due to cooccurring behavioral, emotional, and mental health issues, no matter how mild, moderate, or severe they may be. Even short periods spent in green spaces, such as parks or even viewing natural scenes, can make a big difference.
We hope everything above was helpful. Meanwhile, please note that the Plant a Seed & See What Grows Foundation inspires and promotes healthy living and learning for kids across Canada. You can help us help the next generation by pledging your support too! View more on how you can get involved.