Parenting Perspective 

Start with Practical Routines 

Delayed gratification the ability to wait for a later reward is a skill learned through small, everyday experiences. Parents can create simple and practical routines to teach this, such as serving fruit before dessert, or asking their child to tidy up their toys before screen time. At first, the waiting times should be very short, but they can be gradually extended as the child’s self-control improves. These exercises show that waiting patiently leads to a positive outcome. 

Make Waiting Fun and Rewarding 

It helps to use playful methods that make the concept of waiting more tangible for a child, like a colourful sand timer or a sticker chart. Frame it as a fun challenge: ‘Let’s see if we can both wait until the timer finishes!’ When they succeed, offer warm and enthusiastic praise: ‘You waited so patiently, I am so proud of you.’ Over time, they will begin to associate patience with a feeling of pride, seeing it as a strength rather than a frustration. 

A Foundation for Resilience 

By weaving delayed gratification into daily life gently, you prepare your child for greater resilience in school, friendships, and future responsibilities. This builds a foundation for greater self-control and patience as they grow older. 

Spiritual Insight 

Success Comes Through Perseverance 

Islam teaches the value of patience and discipline, reminding us that the greatest rewards often come to those who wait and restrain themselves for the sake of Allah. The Quran connects true success with perseverance and self-control. 

Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Aalai Imran (3), Verse 200: 

‘ O you who are believers, be patient, and be resilient, and be constant, and attain piety from Allah (Almighty) so that you may be successful.‘ 

True Strength is in Self-Restraint 

The prophetic tradition teaches that real strength is not found in overpowering others, but in the inner discipline of self-restraint. This is the very essence of delayed gratification, a quality that demonstrates true mastery over one’s impulses. 

It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, 2609, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘The strong person is not the one who can overpower others, but the one who controls himself when angry.’ 

A Path to Growth and Success 

When you show your child that patience is a form of strength and that the best rewards come to those who wait, they learn a valuable lesson. They begin to see that delayed gratification is not about denial, but is a path to growth, success, and closeness to Allah.