How do I use board games to teach taking turns calmly? 

Parenting Perspective 

Board games are more than just a fun family pastime; they are a gentle training ground for emotional maturity. When played with intention, they can teach patience, fairness, and empathy in a way that lectures never could. Every roll of the dice and every turn taken becomes an opportunity to practise self-control and respect for others. For children who struggle with waiting, board games can turn a moment of frustration into one of growth, especially when guided with calmness and consistency. 

Start with Short and Simple Games 

Children learn best through success, not through struggle. Begin with games that have quick rounds and short waiting periods, such as Snakes and Ladders or simple memory games. These games teach the basic structure of turn-taking with clear rules and predictable progress. Before you start, you can say, ‘We are all going to practise waiting for our turns calmly. The game will go much faster if we all take our turns nicely.’ This sets a positive goal from the outset, focusing not just on winning, but on playing with patience. 

Introduce a Visual Turn Cue 

Children often interrupt because they lose track of whose turn it is. It can be helpful to use a visible cue, such as placing a small object in front of the player whose turn it is. You can explain, ‘When the token is in front of you, it is your turn to play. When it moves to someone else, it is time to watch and wait.’ This simple physical signal makes the abstract concept of waiting more tangible. For younger players, it can remove their anxiety by showing them that their turn is guaranteed. 

Practise Calm Reactions During Play 

When your child shows signs of impatience, such as tapping or interrupting, pause the game and respond gently. You might say, ‘I can see it is hard to wait right now. Let us take a breath and watch what happens next.’ If they manage to react calmly during someone else’s turn, praise them immediately: ‘That was great waiting. You watched so quietly and even cheered for your brother!’ This instant recognition helps them to associate self-control with a feeling of approval and emotional comfort. 

Model Patience and Good Sportsmanship 

Children will naturally mirror your energy. If a roll of the dice goes against you, you can show them how to handle disappointment with grace. For example, ‘Oh, I have to go back to the start. That is okay, I will get another chance on my next turn.’ Your calm tone teaches them that disappointment is a temporary and manageable feeling. Your example will be a more powerful teacher than your rules. 

Celebrate the Process, Not Just the Victory 

When the game has finished, focus on the cooperation and effort, not just on who won. You could say, ‘I loved how we all waited for our turns so patiently. That made it fun for everyone!’ This reinforces the emotional lesson behind the activity: that fairness, respect, and patience are what make shared experiences enjoyable for everyone. 

Spiritual Insight 

In Islam, calmness and fairness are considered acts of worship when they are done with the right intention. Even in play, the principles of justice and patience reflect the manners that Allah Almighty loves. When parents use games to teach self-control, they are nurturing sabr (patience) and adl (justice) in their everyday lives, transforming ordinary moments into a form of spiritual training. 

The Quranic View on Fair Play 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Maaidah (5), Verse 8: 

‘You who are believers, become steadfast (in your devotion) to Allah (Almighty), corroborating all of that which is just; and never let your hatred of any nation prevent you from being just, – let justice prevail…’ 

This verse teaches us that justice is not reserved for serious matters alone; it is a constant principle for life. Teaching fairness in play helps to cultivate this same moral foundation. Waiting patiently, accepting the outcomes, and respecting the turns of others are all small reflections of the greater virtue of justice. 

The Prophetic Gift of Patience 

It is recorded in Riyadh Al Saliheen, Hadith 26, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘No one has been given a gift better and more comprehensive than patience.’ 

Through patience, a child learns emotional balance and moral strength. When you teach patience through the simple act of playing a game, you are helping them to embody this prophetic wisdom, turning play into practice for life. Your calm presence becomes a living example of sabr, the quiet strength that builds both character and faith. 

When board games become lessons in fairness, your home becomes a place where good values can grow naturally. Each roll of the dice and each calm moment of waiting becomes a step toward raising children who know that peace and patience are far greater victories than winning any game. In this way, even the smallest act of waiting becomes a form of worship, a reflection of the justice and composure that are so beloved by Allah Almighty.