Waiting is hard at any age, and it's especially hard for young children. These four verses, from the World English Bible, are simple enough for kids to understand and talk about — a gentle way to practice patience together.
For more ways to talk with your child about faith and character, visit our resources for parents page.
1. Slow to Speak, Slow to Anger
"So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger;" (James 1:19)
Talk about it: What can you do with your hands or your breathing when you feel like getting upset?
2. Enduring Through Hard Moments
"rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer;" (Romans 12:12)
Talk about it: What helps you feel better when you have to wait for something?
3. There Is a Time for Everything
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven:" (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Talk about it: Can you think of something good that took a long time to happen?
4. Don't Give Up Waiting to Do Good
"Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don't give up." (Galatians 6:9)
Talk about it: What is something kind you keep doing even when it's hard to be patient?
Read a Story About Patience Together
Mason Waits Patiently is one of our picture books about patience, making it a natural next read after these verses about waiting well.
See more of our books about patience.
See how these lessons connect in our Children's Books That Teach Kindness, Courage, and Honesty roundup.
Free printable: Lilly's Animal Crossword Adventures, a 20-puzzle animal crossword pack, is in our free printable pack.
Little Lamb Studios creates faith-based books, songs, and animated stories that help children grow in faith, courage, and kindness.