Happy New Year! As we step into January 2026, many of us are setting goals for our fitness, our careers, or our homes. But there is one resolution that has the power to change your child’s entire future: Mastering the Art of the Wait.
In a world of “Buy Now” buttons and same-day delivery, teaching kids delayed gratification is a superpower. In today’s blog post, we’re breaking down how to move your kids from “I want it now!” to “I’m planning for it later.”
The Secret to Success: Delayed Gratification
You’ve probably heard of the famous “Marshmallow Test.” Kids who could wait to eat a marshmallow in exchange for a second one later tended to have better life outcomes.
In our house, we call this the “Growth Mindset Gap.” It’s the space between wanting something and owning it. January is the perfect time to reset this habit because the post-holiday “toy fatigue” is real.
1. Decoding ‘Wants’ vs. ‘Needs’
Before a child can wait for something, they have to understand why they are waiting. We use a simple sorting rule:
- Needs: Things you must have to live, learn, and stay healthy (like healthy food, school shoes, or a warm bed).
- Wants: Things that are fun to have but you can live without (like that new gaming skin, a giant stuffed animal, or extra dessert).
The 2026 Challenge: Next time you’re at the shops (or browsing online), ask your child: “Is this a ‘Need’ for our survival or a ‘Want’ for our fun?” —
2. The “Smart Shopper” 4-Question Rule
To help our kids practice delayed gratification, we don’t just say “No.” Instead, we ask them to pass the item through these four filters:
- Do I already have something like this?
- Where will I put it when I’m done playing?
- How many hours of chores did I do to earn this?
- Can I wait 24 hours before deciding? (This is the “Impulse Killer!”)
Freebie: The 2026 “Needs vs. Wants” Sorting Game
Freebie: The 2026 “Needs vs. Wants” Sorting Game
To help you kickstart this habit, I’ve created a printable Needs vs. Wants Activity Sheet. It’s a fun, low-pressure way to start the conversation at the breakfast table.
Download the Free Needs vs. Wants Worksheet Here
How to use it:
- Have your kids cut out the pictures of different items.
- Let them argue (politely!) about where things go. (Is a tablet a “Need” for school or a “Want” for games? These are the best lessons!)
- Use the “Matching Exercise” at the bottom to define Expenses and Savings.
What strategies and tools do you have in place to teach your children about delay gratification?