We live in an instant society. From instant oatmeal to instant messaging, we want things right away. Our children are no different.
And yet a multi-year study shows that children who learn to wait for what they want do better throughout their lives and in school. In the study, researchers took preschoolers into a room and showed them a small sweet treat. They were told that they could eat the treat right away if they wished. But if they waited, they would receive two treats instead of one. Then the researchers were “called away.” They watched to see which children ate the treat and which ones waited.
Several years later, researchers contacted parents of the same children. They learned that those who had been able to wait were more successful than the children who ate the treat right away. Those who waited had higher grades. They were better able to cope with problems. They even had higher SAT scores!
This summer, why not take advantage of this research? Teach your child how to wait for what she wants. Here are some fun activities to try as a family that will help build everyone’s patience:
Reprinted with permission from the May 2007 issue of Parents make the difference!® (Elementary School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2007 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: Yuichi Shoda, Walter Mischel and Philip Peake, “Predicting Adolescent Cognitive and Self-Regulatory Competencies From Preschool Delay of Gratification: Identifying Diagnostic Conditions,” Developmental Psychology, Vol. 26, No. 6, (American Psychological Association, 1-800-374-2721, www.apa.org).