Tag Archives: delayed gratification

Mastering the Fine Art of Delayed Gratification

My 8-year-old has the patience of… well, an 8-year-old. Actually, on many days her ability to wait without whining or complaining is more on par with a 4-year-old. She’d kill me if she knew I was comparing her to a preschooler.  Then again, I’ll probably die first from having to tolerate her incessant bellyaching each time she is asked to keep her composure while waiting for whatever it is she wants right NOW! And by now, she means the millisecond her request leaves her lips. During my daughter’s last well child check-up I discussed the issue of delayed gratification with … Continue reading →

No, No, No!

Yes, this is about no. Four-year-olds love to push boundaries, and sometimes my boundaries can feel mighty pushed. I find four-year-old temper tantrums very difficult to deal with, too. At two years old, my toddler was easily distracted. “I want a cookie! I want a cookie!” “No, dear, you’ve already had a cookie.” “I want a cookie!” “Oh, my – look at that garbage truck!” “Garbage truck? Oh, garbage truck!” At four, our tantrums seem to revolve around the same business: treats, toys, and television. However, my daughter is much less willing to be distracted. “I want a cookie!” “No, … Continue reading →