While We're Waiting

It is estimated that Americans will spend 37 billion hours each year waiting. For a child, waiting is a particularly challenging task due to their underdeveloped executive function (EF) network in the brain. Executive function refers to the management system of the brain. It is the mental skills and processes that enable us to focus attention, adapt to new and unexpected situations, remember instructions, control impulses, regulate emotions, set and achieve goals, problem solve, plan and organize. These mental skills are the basis for higher order cognitive functions. We use these skills constantly as we learn, work and manage daily life. Did you know… Learning to wait is a crucial life skill and dealing with the emotions of waiting is a method of self-control. The emotions generated by waiting are frustration, anxiety, regret, annoyance, and uncertainty. Waiting causes children to feel stress. Physiological reactions to stress are… - temper tantrums - whining - attention problems - distracting behaviors - aggressive outbursts - inability to sit still Child development experts agree that the average period of time a child can successfully wait or maintain focus on a given task is 2-3 minutes per year of age. (Ex. 4 yrs. old = 8-12 minutes). Children can be taught to wait more patiently and their capacities to do so improve with positive interactions and support during challenging tasks. Do you use waiting as an OPPORTUNITY to build crucial brain connections, life skills and strengthen relationships? THIS APP is a tool for doing just that! When waiting with your child in a line or at a restaurant, or to relieve boredom and pass the time, what best describes your parenting practice? A) Have child do something on my phone; movie, game etc. B) Play some kind of game with your child like “I Spy” or another activity like a song or story C) You look at your phone D) Let them figure it out, in other words you don’t do anything The activities in this app are research based and had to MEET criteria established in literature to build executive function by PROVIDING ... - opportunities for memory practice, sequencing, problem solving, and cognitive flexibility - ATTENTIONAL DEPLOYMENT STRATEGIES that reduce negative emotions - adequate brain breaks with physical movement or mindfulness - positive familial interactions thus strengthening relationships and bonds -growth mindset practice - be prop free except where items needed are readily accessible because of location - tested in real life waiting situations with result being a positive, stress- free waiting period with laughter and fun Parents often resort to screen use to occupy children during waiting situations. However, there is substantial research suggesting parents should use EXTREME CAUTION in relying on screens to relieve boredom and pass the time as they can negatively impact cognitive function and development. This app has 100+ screen free activities that parents and children do TOGETHER while waiting. It is engaging the whole family! It begins with how to prepare your child for any waiting situation (following these steps can make ALL the difference in the experience you have) Next, you choose the waiting situation you are in; lines, restaurant, appointment, traffic etc. then choose an activity based on age of child. Concise instructions come next with the mental and physical benefit given for each activity. Lastly, watch your WAITING experience change in the most positive ways! Growth supported and nurturing environments contribute significantly to a child’s EF development as does the parent-child relationship, particularly in challenging situations such as waiting. So never let those minutes of waiting go to waste again! While We’re Waiting app puts OPPORTUNITY in the palm of your hand! Give your children skills that will benefit them for a lifetime!