How do I teach turn-taking and patience through play? 

Parenting Perspective 

A Skill to be Gently Practised 

Turn-taking and patience are big life lessons, but to a little heart, they do not come easily. These qualities need to be gently practised from an early age. Many young children become frustrated when asked to wait because they are still learning self-control and the value of fairness. 

Using Simple, Cooperative Games 

One of the safest and most enjoyable ways to build these skills is through play. Choose simple, cooperative games that make waiting feel fun rather than stressful. Games with clear turns, using dice, stacking blocks or passing an object around, help children see that everyone will get a chance. 

Using Clear Language and Praise 

Use clear, kind phrases like, ‘It is your turn now,’ and ‘We wait politely until our turn comes.’ If your child struggles, pause the game to explain that sharing turns makes it fair and enjoyable for everyone. Praise them warmly when they wait patiently or cheer on a sibling. Keep play sessions short so they end on a positive note. 

The Importance of Modelling Patience 

Remember, children watch you closely. Show them how you wait calmly in a queue, take turns speaking and share your time fairly. Over time, these small moments of guided play grow into patience, empathy and fair play. These skills will help your child get along peacefully with others and handle life’s daily frustrations with greater ease. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, patience is more than just waiting, it is an act of worship and a sign of trust in Allah Almighty’s wisdom and timing. Teaching your child to practise patience in small things like play builds a habit that will serve them throughout life’s bigger trials. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Asr (103), Verses 2–3: 

‘Indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who believe and do righteous deeds and advise each other to truth and advise each other to patience. ‘

This Ayah shows us that Sabr is a collective responsibility within families and communities, something we encourage and remind one another to uphold. 

It is recorded in Sahih Bukhari, Hadith 1469, that holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: 

‘Whoever tries to be patient, Allah will help him to be patient. Nobody can be given a blessing better and greater than patience. ‘

Use these words as reassurance when your child struggles. Share stories from the Seerah about how the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ showed incredible patience with children and companions, always meeting them at their level and never shaming them for their mistakes. Turn daily play into an opportunity to make Dua for your child’s character: O Allah, grow my child’s Sabr and bless them with a gentle heart. Let them see that waiting their turn is not just about rules, it is part of honouring others, building strong relationships, and growing closer to Allah Almighty. With this balance of playful practice and spiritual meaning, your child learns that patience is not a burden but a gift that brings ease and reward in this world and the next, InshaAllah.