Probably another funny question but should a two year old understand the concept of "just a second" or "after I do this?"
If our son wants pancakes for example, he will use his word for pancakes and say it over and over and over. If my wife says "just a second" or "after I pick this up", he typically freaks out like we're not going to make them.
Is he supposed to understand the concept of "wait a minute" at this age??
My four year old son does not have a concept of "wait a minute". Everything for him is impulsive. He does not share or take turns. Not without a tantrum. He has not been labeled with autism, but he may be on the spectrum. He has several developmental delays. He is mentally about 30 mos in most aspects of his life.
I'm trying to think back to the two year stage - seems like so long ago! But I don't think so many two year olds would understand 'wait a minute'. You might try using something more concrete to show him the time span (like an egg timer or something, you know the sand filled ones that you tip over?). Or if you use picture sequencing with him show him the picture of what you are doing first (before you make the pancakes), or will he respond to distraction? Something like, yes, pancakes, lets read a story book first or making funny faces or something (works with some children, not with others!). Or can he help make the pancakes - maybe if you gave him a small bowl of flour to play with while you make them, would that distract him at all?
I think the thing with all children, asd or not, is that, frustratingly, there's not usually one thing that they all respond to - we've tried umpteen different techniques over the years, some work some don't. My little boy responds well to distraction and being 'involved', but for other kids that wouldn't work so well.
My kids are 4 and 5. Neither of them really grasp the concept. My nephew is almost 10, and well, he has problems with it, too. It's a kid thing, I'm sure.
I have two sons, 3 and 4. Their worst time of the day is when i'm cooking dinner. They just can't cope knowing i'm in the kitchen. They want food, just like if they were at the grocery store. It's a maturity thing, i think. I am alone while i'm cooking so trying to keep them occupied is torture. I recommend the crock pot, or something very short to cook.
Probably another funny question but should a two year old understand the concept of "just a second" or "after I do this?"
If our son wants pancakes for example, he will use his word for pancakes and say it over and over and over. If my wife says "just a second" or "after I pick this up", he typically freaks out like we're not going to make them.
Is he supposed to understand the concept of "wait a minute" at this age??
Thanks
John
Hi John,
This is just friendly advice not professional.
I currently work in primary and secondary schools in the UK as Autism Intervention. This means I go to a school for 3 weeks and set things up working alongside the class teacher and teaching assistant to model how to help kids with ASD in school.
Your question regarding 'waiting' is that the child is frustrated as he/she does not think you understand what they are asking because you are not doing what they ask immediately.
I usually start with photographs that I use as a timetable so at school it would be for a morning session of a reception aged child 4-5 years:
register, choosing (and seperate pics of toys such as sand, water, puzzles)
carpet time, story time, lunch.
Each symbol/picture is removed after each activity and verbally reinforced that next is ..... if the child asks or goes to the colouring desk, visually reinforce the activity symbol and simplified language eg. work first THEN colouring.
You may want to use a timetable at home as it can be very benefitial as it makes the evening predictable so it could read:
snack, computer, drawing, tidy up time, teatime, pancakes, reading, supper, bath, bedtime.
Each symbol is removed after each activity showing that you will make pancakes, just not at this minute!!
Alternitively, use a sand timer for visual reinforcement. They are bought from educational catalougues though.
I am currently training a boy to sit on the carpet with peers for 10 minutes with the timer, which he is now doing very nicely and gets to play with the trains after. I have done this for years and the older boys I started this with now sit in assembly without carpet spots or books or timers.
If you need any other information, please pm me.
When my son was here (hes passed now) I would just use simple words and small ones.I would say "WAIT" and put my hand up for him to stop. you have to be consistant and keep it the same. It worked for my son.
I agree. Say wait, -- & put your hand up like a stop sign so that he sees it.
But most of all, distraction is key. a two year old will not understand the concept of wait a second --- how can you explain wait a second or wait a minute to a 2 yr old?- Let him watch you getting the ingredients, "
ask does he want to help? etc. Anything to distract him from his feeling of impatience.
the more he hears you say wait (instead of wait a second) followed by a hand motion, and time passes before what he wants happens, he will start to get it. Not like it maybe, but he will get it.
By the way, he may still be impatient at 4...24, 54....and so it goes.
