Wait for it...

Waiting is something that our society doesn’t seem to have to do a whole lot of. Gone are the days of waiting a whole week for a new TV episode, or waiting for someone to get off the phone so you can access the internet. Instant gratification seems be all around us, and because of that, skills such as waiting, anticipation and impulse control are practised less and less. Here are some little songs I like to do to help these skills with my little one:

• I Have a Little Pony, His Name is Dapple Grey

  This little rhyme is a great bounce to try with your little one

  I have a little pony, his name is Dapple Grey    Bounce baby on knee
  He lives down in the stable, not very far away
  He goes nibble nibble, nibble, nibble
  Trot, trot, trot.
  Stay behind and wait a bit     Stop bouncing
  *LONG PAUSE*
  And galop and galop away   Bounce very fast

  You will get great joy in watching your little one look and wait as they get to know what’s to come.

• ‘Round and ‘Round the Haystack

  Tickles are such a fun experience for all full of laughter and joy. They are also a fantastic way to practise anticipation from a young age.

  Round and round the haystack     with one finger, make a circle on baby’s palm
  Goes the little mouse
  Quickly, quickly
  Into his little house     Tickle baby

  Of course, you can find other places to make a circle on your little one – tummies and feet are great for this. Slightly older ones may like to do the tickling to you – just follow their lead!

  You can also read about some of Bron’s favourite tickles HERE

• Shake And You Stop

  Grab your home-made instruments out and get ready to get your band together for this one.

  Well you shake and you shake and you shake and you stop    PAUSE x4

Of course, there are so many more songs, games and rhymes that practise these skills, too! Have fun with it!