Delayed Gratification

Why It Matters:

• Learning to wait and manage impulses helps children develop self-control, a key skill for success in school and also throughout life.

• Studies show that children who practice delayed gratification tend to perform better both academically and socially.

 

What You Can Do:

• Play waiting games like “Red Light, Green Light” or “Simon Says.”

• Encourage small “waits” in daily life, like waiting a minute for a snack.

• Praise their effort when your child practices patience: e.g. “Great job waiting!”

 

Further Reading:

"The Marshmallow Test: Understanding Self-control and How To Master It" by Walter Mischel

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