Deferred Gratification

I haven't been active on posting any entries lately, because I was busy exploring and experimenting with the layout and setting on my blog. You know, those HTML stuff really will make you go crazy. I had added in a few more gadgets and am happy about it but I am still pretty frustrated with how to add another column of sidebar on the left side of my main page. Anyway, today I just want to blog something I read from the Newpaper on Monday. Written by Dr Money or Larry Haverkamp, the title reads: PLAY ‘CRAZY MONEY’ GAME WITH KIDS.

Dr Money wrote about how they teach their kids about money thru games. And he put it simple and focuses on a single concept: Deferred Gratification
It’s the ability to put off pleasure in order to accomplish something – like working, studying, saving money and even developing friendship. Kids learn more willingly when it’s fun and Dr Money has recommended a few “crazy money game” they play with their kids. All games combine lesson on deferring gratification.

1) The game they play most is a deferred gratification exercise. It requires them to wait before taking their bite of food at dinner. It’s not easy when you’re hungry. A one min wait earns their kids 10 cents. Two min is worth 20 cents and three min gets 30 cents. They cut off at 3 min since the food gets cold.

2) A money game at the restaurants focuses on the highest mark-up item: Drinks.
Their kids have a choice of whether they want to order those irresistible soft drinks or just ask for a glass of plain water. If their kids is willing to resist the temptation and drink only plain water, they’ll get to split the amount of money the soft drink cost with their parent. For instant, if a glass of coke cost $2, they’ll get $1 each. But if they choose to order the coke, they get nothing. Ordering water can quench your thirst with no cost and no calories.
This game also teaches your kids of capitalism: That’s to share the profit.
Deals work best when there’s something in for everyone, including mum and dad.

3) The third game is inspired from watching news on TV. It showed Americans were paying cash for guns in Iraq. The scheme was a big success with a lot of weapons getting surrendered. So Dr money has their own scheme: Cash For Candy. They will buy back junk food their kids routinely get from friends and relative.
More Of Deferred Gratification

I’ll probably try all this games when my little Gracia grew up. What a good way to have fun and learn lesson. Thanks to Dr Money recommendation.