Studies have proven that children who learn to delay gratification lead happier and more successful lives. This study from James Clear and this one from NCBI support this.
The study proves that establishing the discipline of postponing gratification at an early age is an attribute that serves children well throughout their lives It makes sense. If kids do their homework instead of texting or taking on the newest computer game, they will get better grades.
So grandparents, if you want your grandchild to succeed at something, you might want to help them develop the ability to be disciplined and take action instead of becoming distracted and doing what’s easy.
However, postponing what’s fun is a greater challenge for our grandchildren than it was for us. We didn’t have the seemingly endless electronic and communication devices our grandchildren have. They have far more tempting distractions than we ever had. In most cases, our grandchildren also don’t have a stay-at-home disciplinarian like we did.
As a result, most children are left to figure out on their own the importance of delaying gratification. This won’t work! Perhaps that’s why the U.S. is now ranked 24th in the world in education.
What can the grandparent do?
- Forward this to your son or daughter.
- Pick one thing to work on – homework, politeness, helping others, etc.
- Sit with your grandchild and his/her parent(s) and discuss why it’s important and if there is agreement, how you will proceed.
- Consider following the Seinfeld strategy; Seinfeld Strategy
