To many of us, having patience is a nearly impossible goal. It is a special problem for our teens, since they not only haven't any patience, but have been taught to expect instant gratification as well.

Think about the world your teen lives in. He has seen more new technology in his short lifetime than anyone else. He now views as normal many things our grandparents would never have imagined. He has access to many things we never experienced, and he may have them instantly.

Teens are unique beings in that they love variety, change and to be stimulated at a breakneck speed. They sometimes take for granted racing speeds that would have once been unthinkable: space travel is just another event; flying is 'no big deal' whether it is in a plane or on a bungee cord, and they can visit friends across the country or even the world with just a click of the mouse.

The technological world teens live in is a challenging, yet interesting place to be, but it has a fault. It does nothing for teaching patience. When you can connect to a computer and before you know it he bombarded by tons of information on any subject you choose, it is hard to think of going to the library and looking through shelves of books for that same information.

Video games and computer games are quickly gratifying when YOU want entertainment; books, puzzles, hobbies and crafts are slow to satisfy. Teens want instant gratification, which translates to a severe lack of patience in our youth.

This lack of patience might mean your teen is unwilling to save for an item he wants, but wants it right now. It could mean your teen would take shortcuts to success bypassing the proper education, using unethical methods, even crime to get where he wants to be.

Teach your kids patience, first by example. This is a vital trait. Job searching involves a good deal of waiting, as does finding a scholarship or learning a skill. Getting an education takes time and anyone without patience will not take the time. Show kids how you save for something you want, dollar by dollar. Let them see the meticulous way in which you do a craft or create an art project. We need to slow them down a bit.

Slowing them down enables them to learn to really see things and enjoy life. Patience might be taught by getting them involved in jigsaw puzzles or building intricate dollhouses or models. Flow about planting a garden that takes patience waiting for those first seedlings. Reading, doing research the traditional way, working on a family tree are all good ways to teach patience.

Patience is a necessary part of life, and we all need to practice it if we are going to be more stress-free and happy with our lot in life. We must have patience also to get ahead and know that every goal is made up of tiny steps. So do your teen a huge favor and help them develop their own patience. Remember, they're watching you!

Credits: Jo Ann Wentzel