02/12/2026
Waiting is a skill and skills are taught, not expected. If waiting is a skill that you want to help your child strengthen, you can begin by teaching very short, predictable waits, then gradually increase expectations over time. Small starting steps can look like:
• Pausing a few seconds before giving access
• Waiting with a visual or verbal cue
• Immediate reinforcement after waiting
Starting small helps children experience success and builds tolerance over time. Long waits without support can quickly lead to frustration especially when the skill is still emerging. -AffirmingABAExcellence