Every parent wants to see their kids grow up to be happy, healthy, and financially responsible adults. While there are many different ways parents can instill positive values and good habits in their children, one of the best concepts to pass on to their kids is the idea of delayed gratification. Teaching them to be patient and to make small sacrifices in the short term in exchange for bigger rewards, later on, will help set them up for great success in life. Here are three ways to start.
Set a Good Example
The best place to begin when teaching kids delayed gratification is to set a good example for them. There are many different ways that parents can apply this concept to their lives, and it can really get kids thinking when they see their parents being patient in different ways. It can be fun for kids when they are invited to join in with their parents in practicing delayed gratification. For example:
– Decide together to wait for dinner time instead of getting full-on snacks.
– Do homework and chores before watching TV or playing video games.
– Save up money for a family trip to an amusement park.
Teach Kids to Set Goals
Setting goals is a powerful skill itself. And combining goal-setting with the concept of delayed gratification can help kids in every aspect of their life. But kids will need some guidance from their parents. It’s important that kids learn how to set SMART goals so that they don’t end up wasting time on vague or unrealistic goals. SMART goals are:
– Specific
– Measurable
– Achievable
– Relevant
– Time-bound
Give Kids Chances to Earn and Save Money
As already mentioned above, saving money is a great way to teach kids delayed gratification. Teaching kids how to manage their money will help them to avoid many difficulties in life and enjoy a higher standard of life for themselves and their future families. Start by either giving kids a consistent weekly allowance or by giving them opportunities to earn money for chores and completed projects. There are pros and cons to both approaches, so parents should try both approaches to see how their kids respond. Either way, be sure to help them set goals and make plans to save up the money needed to purchase what they want. This can be done using cash and coins in a piggy bank or by opening a kids’ savings account at the local bank or credit union.
Teaching kids the skills and discipline needed to delay gratification can set them up to live happy, healthy lives as adults. Parents should model this behavior themselves while also teaching their kids how to set goals and make plans to achieve them, especially in the area of managing money. For more tips on parenting, consider taking child care courses in Sydney.
