To support a child waiting for a turn, which approach is most appropriate?

To support a child waiting for a turn, which approach is most appropriate?

• A. Remove him from the line.
• B. Let him know his turn is coming soon and acknowledge that he's sad.
• C. Ignore his distress.
• D. Tell him to wait without any reassurance.

Answer: (B)

Waiting turns is a moment to support a child’s emotional regulation. The best approach is to provide a heads-up that the turn is coming and to acknowledge how the child feels. Letting him know his turn is coming soon gives him predictability and reduces uncertainty, while naming and validating his sadness shows empathy and helps him feel understood. This combination supports him in staying calm and patient rather than feeling left in the limbo of waiting. For example, you could say, “In a few minutes it will be your turn. I know waiting can be hard and you’re feeling sad, and that’s okay.” Removing him from the line stops him from practicing the skill; ignoring distress or telling him to wait without reassurance leaves him without the emotional support needed to cope with delay.

Waiting turns is a moment to support a child’s emotional regulation. The best approach is to provide a heads-up that the turn is coming and to acknowledge how the child feels. Letting him know his turn is coming soon gives him predictability and reduces uncertainty, while naming and validating his sadness shows empathy and helps him feel understood. This combination supports him in staying calm and patient rather than feeling left in the limbo of waiting. For example, you could say, “In a few minutes it will be your turn. I know waiting can be hard and you’re feeling sad, and that’s okay.” Removing him from the line stops him from practicing the skill; ignoring distress or telling him to wait without reassurance leaves him without the emotional support needed to cope with delay.