Kids Who Struggle to Wait in Line: Practicing Waiting

Some children keep stepping forward in line and can't wait until it's their turn. You may wonder, "Why is waiting so hard for them?" But a child who struggles to wait in line may have their own reasons.

Waiting in line takes several skills at once

On the surface, waiting in line seems as simple as standing still. In reality, it's an activity that calls for waiting, remembering whose turn it is, and controlling one's body all at once. For a child who still finds even one of these hard, waiting in line itself can feel like a difficult task.

Waiting practice that starts with small successes

If your child struggles to wait in line, building up small successes one at a time can help.

• Start with short waits
• Let them know before their turn comes, like "It's your turn next."
• Practice taking turns during play

The ability to wait is also something that grows with practice. Start by noticing which situations make waiting hardest for your child.

Last reviewed: 2026-10-07 This article provides general information only. Your child's developmental status and treatment plan are determined through consultation and assessment.