How can I coach waiting for turns in board games without tears? 

Parenting Perspective 

Board games are a wonderful way to foster family connection, but the fun can quickly unravel when a child struggles to wait for their turn. Tears, snatched dice, or a child storming away from the table can quickly turn a happy pastime into a moment of frustration for everyone. With calm and consistent coaching, however, you can transform these games into valuable opportunities for teaching patience, fairness, and emotional self-control. 

Prepare Before the Game Starts 

Set the expectations for the game in a clear and positive way before you begin to play. 

• ‘Remember, in this game, everyone gets a turn. Waiting patiently is an important part of the fun.’ 

• Clearly show them the order of play, so they know exactly when their turn is coming. 

Use Visual or Verbal Cues 

Children often feel calmer and more in control when they can see their place in the sequence. This simple act helps to reduce their uncertainty and, in turn, their impatience. 

• Place a special token or marker in front of the player whose turn it currently is. 

• Use a calm, verbal countdown: ‘First it is Mum’s turn, then it will be your turn.’ 

Keep Turns Short and Engaging 

It is wise to choose age-appropriate games where the turns are relatively quick, as long waits can be particularly difficult for younger children. You can also keep them engaged while they wait. 

• ‘Let us all give a clap for anyone who rolls a six!’ 

• ‘Can you be my special helper and remember whose turn is next after mine?’ 

Praise Patient Waiting 

Actively look for moments where your child is waiting well and offer immediate, specific praise. 

• ‘I noticed you were watching and waiting so calmly for your turn. That shows real patience.’ 

• ‘You did not grab the dice that time; you waited until they were passed to you. Well done.’ 

Handle Tears With Calm Boundaries 

If the waiting becomes too much and tears begin to flow, pause the game in a gentle but firm manner. This approach shows empathy for their feelings while keeping the rules of the game intact. 

• ‘I can see you are feeling very upset about waiting. Let us take a short break from the game for a minute, and then we can try again.’ 

• Child: (crying) ‘But I want my turn now!’ Parent: ‘I know waiting is hard. Look, it is Dad’s turn right now, and then the very next turn is yours. When we all wait patiently, the game is much more fun for our whole family.’ 

Spiritual Insight 

Learning to take turns in a simple game is a small but powerful way to teach the core Islamic values of justice and patience. Learning to wait for one’s fair share is a practical lesson in respecting the rights of others. 

Patience in Small Matters 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Aalai Imran (3), Verses 200: 

‘O you who are believers, be patient, and be resilient, and be constant, and attain piety from Allah (Almighty) so that you may be successful.‘ 

This verse reminds us that true success, in matters both big and small, is achieved through patience and steadfast endurance. 

The Prophet ﷺ on Loving Fairness 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 45, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.’ 

This beautiful hadith can be explained to children in a simple way: waiting patiently for your turn is a way of showing the same fairness and respect that you would want for yourself. 

By coaching turn-taking calmly, you are turning a simple board game into a practical training ground for patience, justice, and empathy. Over time, your child learns that the real joy in playing is not always about going first, but about sharing moments with kindness and fairness.