Parenthood, in many ways, is a long exercise in patience. From the moment you find out you’re expecting, you’re tasked with waiting patiently — and that task might start to feel more demanding as your baby turns into a kid. Sleep training, potty training, and even just getting your kid ready and out the door for preschool all require the ability to stay calm and collected in frustrating moments. As important as this virtue is, it’s not easy to come by. When you’re stressed and overtired you might notice you have a much shorter fuse than usual. Or you might even think patience just isn’t something you possess. But patience is a skill and like any other it can be nurtured and grown. And that benefits everyone.