The author reflects on her changing feelings towards birthdays as she approaches her 45th year, contrasting past childhood excitement with present apprehension. She reminisces about the thrill of birthday parties and presents, while also expressing concern for her children’s impatience in everyday situations. The article touches on a psychological study, the marshmallow experiment, which showcases children's struggles with waiting for rewards. It argues for the necessity of teaching patience, emphasizing its importance in emotional development amidst the backdrop of instant gratification prevalent in modern society.
The marshmallow experiment highlights not only children's difficulty with waiting, but also the long-term benefits of self-control, influencing success in various life domains.
Observing my children struggle with patience brings back memories of my anticipation for birthdays; both childhood excitement and adult patience are intertwined.
As adults, it's easy to dismiss waiting as a minor inconvenience, yet teaching children about patience through fun experiences can yield significant rewards.
In a world where instant gratification reigns, fostering patience in children can be a challenging yet crucial part of their emotional development.
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