Wait for It Game: A Fun Patience Activity for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Category Behavior & Discipline

Age Range Ages 2–6

Time 5–10 minutes

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What You Need

You can play this activity with no supplies at all. A few simple items can make the game more engaging for younger children.

Small Timer

Crayons

Paper

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Choose a simple action. Pick something fun your child wants to do, such as jump, clap, roll a ball, open a box, or start dancing. Explain the rule. Say, “We are going to wait first. When I say ‘go,’ then you can do it.” Use a short wait. Start with just one or two seconds so your child can succeed. Give the signal. Say, “Wait for it… wait for it… go!” Celebrate success. Cheer when your child waits, even if the wait was very short. Repeat with variety. Try different actions like stomping, spinning, hugging a stuffed animal, or dropping a beanbag into a basket. Slowly stretch the wait. Add one extra second at a time as your child gets more comfortable.

Complete all 7 steps to finish.

Why This Wait for It Game Works

Wait for It Game turns waiting into something children can practice in a fun, low-pressure way. Instead of only hearing “wait” during frustrating moments, children get to experience waiting as part of a playful routine.

This helps children build impulse control because they practice pausing their bodies, watching for a signal, and starting only when it is time. These are important early behavior skills for transitions, sharing, turn-taking, safety, and following directions.

The game also gives parents a positive way to teach patience before stressful moments happen. When children have practiced waiting during play, they are more likely to understand what waiting feels like during everyday routines.

Skills Built

This waiting game supports everyday behavior skills in a playful and developmentally appropriate way.

Impulse control: Children practice pausing before acting.
Listening skills: Kids wait for a clear start signal before moving.
Patience: Children learn that waiting can be short, safe, and manageable.
Body control: Kids practice keeping their hands, feet, and voices calm.
Following directions: Children respond to simple cues like “wait,” “ready,” and “go.”

Parent Prompts for Practicing Patience

Keep your voice playful and encouraging. The goal is not to trick your child, but to help them feel successful while practicing self-control.

“Wait for it… almost… go!”
“Your body is waiting so calmly.”
“You stopped and listened. That was great waiting.”
“Let’s try a tiny wait first.”
“Ready hands, quiet feet, waiting body.”
“Should we wait for two seconds this time?”
“Waiting can be hard, but you did it.”

Easy Variations for Toddlers and Preschoolers

Wait to Jump

Have your child stand still and wait for your “go” signal before jumping. This works well for active children who need movement.

Wait to Open

Place a small toy, snack container, or surprise item in front of your child. Practice waiting before opening it together.

Wait to Roll

Sit across from your child with a ball. Say “wait for it” before they roll the ball back to you.

Wait to Dance

Play music or sing a short song. Your child waits quietly, then dances when you say “go.”

Wait and Breathe

Add one slow breath before the “go” signal. This helps children connect waiting with calming their bodies.

Make It Easier or Harder

For Younger Toddlers

Start with a one-second wait.
Use big facial expressions and an excited “go!”
Practice with movement-based actions like jumping or clapping.
Celebrate any attempt to pause, even if it is brief.

For Older Preschoolers

Increase the wait to five, ten, or fifteen seconds.
Let your child take a turn being the leader.
Add multiple directions, such as “wait, clap twice, then jump.”
Practice waiting during real routines, like waiting to open a snack or start a game.
Ask your child to describe how they kept their body calm while waiting.

Common Questions About Wait for It Game

What age is Wait for It Game best for?

This activity works well for ages 2–6. Younger toddlers can practice very short waits, while older preschoolers can handle longer pauses and more complex directions.

Does this activity help with behavior?

Yes. Wait for It Game helps children practice impulse control, listening, patience, and body awareness. These skills support everyday behavior during transitions, sharing, turn-taking, and safety routines.

What if my child does not wait?

Make the wait shorter and try again. Start with a wait so brief your child can succeed, then build slowly. The goal is practice, not perfection.

How long should the activity last?

Most children do well with 5–10 minutes. Stop while the game still feels fun so your child wants to play again later.

Quick Recap

Wait for It Game is a simple patience and impulse-control activity for toddlers and preschoolers. Children practice pausing, listening for a signal, calming their bodies, and starting only when it is time.