Wed, 29 Apr 2009
Deferred gratification.
It’s been said that a lot of kids don’t possess the ability to defer gratification, which results in a myriad of problems later on in life. Based on my own experience during my Practicum stint, I’m quite inclined to believe in this idea.
I think it’s necessary for parents and teachers alike to teach children how to defer gratification, but it’s the ‘how’ which always eludes everyone. I’ve been trying to find activities that teach the above skill but haven’t been very successful so far, though I’ve come across some tips that might be helpful and a good place to start.
Off the top of my head, some games that teach deferred gratification and which come to mind are: Jenga and Simon Says. Anyone has any other suggestions?
Yes, you’re right, but isn’t this deferred grat. an ideology as well? We think that we must work hard so that in the future we will reap the gains – but most of the times, people who work hard don’t reap the gains such as actors and writers and the poor laborers.
Yes to ideology but I don’t understand the rest of your comment?
I’m just saying that we keep thinking we must work hard so that in the distant future we will be rewarded (deferred gratification) but this whole idea is an ideology, a lie fed to us. Most people work hard for their entire lives and don’t get any rewards at all.
Re: ideology – yup, I agree, though hard to prove.
Re: the people working hard for their entire lives and not getting rewards – what do you mean by rewards? Money? Fame?