Wellbeing Corner

Wellbeing Story Time

Picture story books often open up conversations and learning opportunities for what might be complex and hard-to-tackle concepts for children. This is true for conversations about mental health issues, which can at times feel awkward or be challenging to discuss. In this series, I will be introducing you to picture story books which will not only entertain but introduce children to a range of mental health issues which they or someone they know might experience.

I’ll Wait Mr. Panda

Waiting can be a difficult task for children, and even adults! However, it is quite often that being patient yields the best results, rather than rushing in or giving up too quickly. In the book ‘I’ll Wait Mr. Panda’, we learn how being patient is the key ingredient in reaping the benefits at the end.

I’ll Wait Mr. Panda

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0s0VaFIDLWc

After listening to the story, you could…

• Bake a cake (or a doughnut!) with your child and discuss how cooking patiently and not rushing the results can be helpful in getting effective results.
• Notice everyday situations when you or your child are being patient (waiting in line for food, waiting for the bus, waiting for a turn to play a game etc.). Praise yourself and your child for demonstrating patience. 
• Create a list of ways to pass the time whilst waiting. If you’re outside, look at the clouds and make out different shapes and objects, or you could use your imagination to build anticipation about the end result after waiting so patiently!