An issue we have been trying to deal with for ourselves and for the kids. Obviously, we started with the big question: Is there a need for delayed gratification at the first place? We want a book, we don’t even bother to step out of the house. We order online. We want one, we order five (o.k. a little on the outside here). And then they sit on the bookshelf while we are busy reading a borrowed book which needs to be returned and could not wait to be borrowed. We go to buy shoes, we end up buying a wardrobe. Where is contemplating the absolute requirement??? Where are the days when we would zero on a book and then work towards acquiring it and then savour every page? Consumerism has a very tight hold on us. No escaping!
At some point we decided we needed to bring this in perspective for the kids. So we talked about it, debated it, killed each other and decided to implement it.
Meanwhile our kids had their own agenda.
ACT I, Scene I: While we were still debating over a few months and working on implementation, an evening after Dadda returns from China.
Dadda: Scooby I got you a backpack from China. Should I give it to you now?
Scooby: OOOHHH! PLEEEESE!….It’s so pretty. Thanks Dadda. …..But Dadda, my backpack is still good. I don’t need another one now. …Let’s keep it away. I will use it in the New Year.
Any Tom-what-hit-me-expression will do. (BTW, Tom and Jerry)
Act I, Scene II: The same evening, while Scooby is downstairs at the park.
Dadda: Uvi, I have a gift for you!!!!
Uvi: What? I want it. A helicopter, Dadda? (a long awaited requirement)
Dadda: YES!
Uvi: Can I pllleeeese have it?
Dadda: Should we open it?
Uvi: ….No, No,No! Let’s wait for Akka!
This was the classic Tom-hit-by-a-baseball-bat expression. Totally stumped.
Dadda: How did these kids become delayed-gratification champs????
Act II: Mamma slogging to make Laddu’s for Scooby since all Daadi made Laddus finished the previous day…
Scooby: Mama, Hungry SNACK!
Mom: Hey made some laddus for you in the afternoon.
Scooby: WOW!…Couldn’t you have at least waited for one day before making it. You know, the laddus got over just yesterday. At least a day (a you-should-know-better expression on her face)
Me ready to jump from the balcony while ma’am busy gorging on them.
we can learn so much from both of them. they live in present. they express themselves well. they practice what adults find difficult to do.