Nurturing Patience and Persistence: Strategies to Develop Children's Delay of Gratification. Part 2
July 22, 2023
Posted in:
0-3 years old
3-7 years old
Nadia Koltcheva
Strategies to Develop Children's Delay of Gratification. Part 2
Developing children's ability to delay gratification is an important skill that can benefit them throughout their lives. Here are some more strategies to help children develop their delay of gratification skills:
Provide immediate rewards for delayed gratification - Offer incentives for children when they successfully delay gratification. For example, if they wait to eat a treat after finishing their homework, provide an additional small reward or acknowledgement to reinforce their efforts.
Teach problem-solving skills - Help children develop problem-solving skills to overcome obstacles and challenges they may face in the pursuit of their goals. Teach them to analyze situations, consider alternative approaches, and develop strategies to overcome setbacks or temptations.
Foster a supportive environment - Create an environment that supports delayed gratification. Encourage patience and persistence, and celebrate children's efforts and progress rather than focusing solely on outcomes. Provide emotional support and guidance when they encounter challenges.
Encourage reflection and self-awareness - Prompt children to reflect on their choices and experiences. Ask questions such as, "How did it feel to wait for the reward?" or "What did you learn from waiting?". This helps them develop self-awareness and understand the benefits of delayed gratification.
Celebrate successes - Recognize and celebrate instances when children successfully delay gratification. Acknowledge their efforts and reinforce the positive outcomes that come from patience and delayed rewards.
Remember, developing the skill of delayed gratification takes time and practice. Be patient and supportive as children learn to navigate the challenges of waiting for rewards. By providing guidance and modelling delayed gratification, you can help children develop this valuable skill for their future success and well-being.
