What's Happening:
Waiting requires impulse control and emotional regulation, which are still developing skills. Difficulty waiting is often about excitement or fear of being forgotten, not intentional disruption.
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Option A: Gentle / Connection-Based Response
Use this when impatience is mild.
How to do it:
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Acknowledge the need
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Offer reassurance
What to say:
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"I see you're waiting."
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"Your turn is coming."
Why it works:
Reassurance reduces urgency.
Option B: Trauma-Informed / Nervous System Support
Use this when waiting triggers anxiety.
How to do it:
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Provide predictability
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Use visual or verbal cues
What to say:
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"First this, then you."
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"I won't forget."
Why it works:
Predictability supports emotional safety.
Option C: Calm Boundary + Skill-Building
Use this when impatience disrupts others.
How to do it:
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Restate the expectation
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Follow through consistently
What to say:
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"It's not your turn yet."
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"Waiting is part of this activity."
Why it works:
Consistency teaches self-control over time.
