For months now, he has been saying he wanted an iPad. I told him he could get an iPad if he saved for an iPad. Now, he knows what an iPad is because he's played on one before and loves it. He's excited with the games he's able to play right on his lap as opposed to my itty bitty iPhone screen or the heavy laptop he has to use on the desk. He had his plan set and was ready to save his money.
However, despite his deep desire and his ambition, he was just not reaching that $499 goal quick enough. The pennies he found around the house was not adding up enough. The money received after redeeming his recyclables did not excite him but rather discouraged him. It just wasn't added up fast enough to get his iPad.
But then his birthday rolled around and, lo and behold, he received $175 in cash and gift cards. Then 2 days later he received $40 more from Graduation gifts. This was one excited little boy. Well, you can only guess what his first statement was after counting the total: "Now I can get my iPad." Poor little boy. I had to tell him the crushing news.
"Sorry [Son], you just don't have enough quite yet." Saddest little face yet. But then I had an idea. I looked online to Toys R Us to see if they carried iPads and discovered they carried other comparable tablets. So, I decided to have a conversation with my son.
"[Son], I know you don't have enough money for the iPad but you do have enough to get another tablet made by another company. It's not an iPad but it's like an iPad. It can do what the iPad can do. If you really want the iPad you have to wait to save up more money. But if you want a tablet now, you have enough to get a different one." He pondered it for a quick bit and said enthusiastically, "I want to buy one now."
And that was that.
I didn't attempt to teach him the lesson about waiting for what you really want or waiting for what's better. I knew he wouldn't get it let alone care. But what I did was teach myself the lesson.
Instant gratification is such childlike behavior. Children only know the here and now and want what I want now. Waiting is sooooo not their M.O. and if they are asked to wait for anything, it's just plain torture. To be a mature person means we have the ability and know the value of waiting. We know that sometimes the work and pain of waiting will eventually lead us to pleasure of a "better brand."
Moms and Mom-Types, what do you need to continue being patient about/for? How have you delayed gratification?
Blessings,
Aurellia
