---
title: "Patience and Delayed Gratification"
description: "Practise waiting for a turn or something they want, using a waiting strategy or asking for support. Understand that they can choose to wait for a wanted option offered later."
canonical: https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/patience-and-delayed-gratification-mt_nNDX_jZ-cb
source: https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/patience-and-delayed-gratification-mt_nNDX_jZ-cb.md
retrieved: 2026-11-12
---

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# Patience and Delayed Gratification

Practise waiting for a turn or something they want, using a waiting strategy or asking for support. Understand that they can choose to wait for a wanted option offered later.

Subject: Personal & Social Development · Area: Self-Regulation & Resilience · Ages 5 to 7
Page: https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/patience-and-delayed-gratification-mt_nNDX_jZ-cb

## Ready when they can

- Use a waiting strategy during a game or activity, with support when needed
- Describe what they do to help themselves wait, such as thinking about something else
- Explain one reason for waiting and describe choosing a wanted option offered later

## Lesson: Waiting your turn

Patience means giving a turn or task time while you wait. Other people need turns. Cooking and helping take time too. If someone is using the slide, wait in a safe place and keep your hands to yourself.

*(drawing: The order is Ben, Amy, then you. If Amy is taking her turn and Ben has finished, you are next.)*

Choose a waiting job: think of a song or count things you see. You could breathe in gently and out slowly. Stay safe and pay attention so you notice your turn. You can ask a grown-up when your turn will be.

**Example.** Mia waits for the swing while Ben uses it. She thinks about her favorite song. She stays nearby and listens for her turn. She can ask for help if waiting feels hard.

You may be offered one thing now or a different thing later. If you want the later choice, you can wait for it. You might choose a ribbon after a game instead of a sticker now. Waiting does not always bring something better.

Waiting is a skill you can practise with help. Try a short wait with a grown-up's support. Crying does not mean you cannot learn. If a waiting job does not help, a grown-up can help you choose another.

If you are hurt or unsafe, tell a trusted grown-up right away. You do not need to wait quietly for a toy or turn first. You can ask for help while you are upset.

**Recap.** Try a waiting job or ask for support. You can choose a wanted option offered later. Tell a trusted grown-up right away if you are hurt or unsafe.

*Original lesson, questions and flashcards written for this learning dataset.*

## Practice

8 questions on this page, each with its working shown.

## Needs first

- [Words for Big Feelings](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/words-for-big-feelings-mt_SeNxOZTHCN)

## Optional connections

- [Simple Calming Strategies](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/simple-calming-strategies-mt_Iwg2diBSyW)

## Opens up

- [Habits and Motivation](https://lightmysky.com/learn/personal-and-social-development/habits-and-motivation-mt_0ewYhTSHtP)
- [Saving for Something Months Away](https://lightmysky.com/learn/life-skills/saving-for-something-months-away-mt_NFZG8bDa5o)