Using Fortnite to Teach Delayed Gratification to Children
In a world increasingly characterized by instant rewards, the concept of delayed gratification is becoming more critical than ever. The ability to resist immediate temptations in favor of long-term benefits is linked to greater success in life, from academic achievements to personal relationships. As a parent, you may wonder how to cultivate this valuable skill in your children. Interestingly, popular games like Fortnite often undermine delayed gratification, by encouraging you to spend real money for an instant reward such as a new skin but, Fortnite can be leveraged as tools for teaching delayed gratification in engaging and relatable ways.
Understanding Delayed Gratification
Delayed gratification is the process of resisting the temptation for an immediate reward in preference for a later reward. The classic example is the famous Stanford marshmallow experiment, where children were offered a choice between one marshmallow immediately or two marshmallows if they waited. The findings showed that those who could wait tended to have better life outcomes.
In the context of gaming, delayed gratification can manifest in various forms, such as progressing to unlock new levels, earning rewards through consistent gameplay, or saving in-game currency for better equipment or skins.
Delayed gratification is crucial because it teaches individuals to prioritize long-term benefits over short-term pleasures, a skill that significantly impacts success and well-being in various aspects of life. Research consistently shows that those who can delay gratification tend to perform better academically, maintain healthier relationships, and make more sound financial decisions. This ability fosters self-discipline, resilience, and thoughtful decision-making, helping individuals navigate challenges and pursue goals with greater focus. In todays world filled with instant rewards and quick fixes, mastering delayed gratification promotes patience and the capacity to work toward meaningful, lasting outcomes.
Using Fortnite to Teach Delayed Gratification
Fortnite, a popular multiplayer battle royale game, can offers numerous opportunities for children to learn about delayed gratification through its gameplay mechanics and social elements. Here’s how parents can implement strategies to foster this skill:
1. Setting Goals and Milestones
Encourage your child to set specific goals within Fortnite. Whether it’s achieving a certain rank, completing challenges, or earning in-game currency (V-Bucks), having clear objectives can teach the importance of working towards a reward rather than seeking immediate satisfaction. Discuss these goals regularly and celebrate milestones to reinforce their value.
Example: Instead of buying V-Bucks for your child to spend immediately, you could set them a goal of aiming to reach a certain level, help them create a plan that breaks down the necessary steps, and upon reaching the goal reward them with V-Bucks.
2. Reward Systems Outside the Game
Implement a reward system where your child earns privileges or rewards in real life for achieving gaming milestones. For instance, if they manage to reach a specific rank or save a certain amount of V-Bucks, they could earn an extra hour of screen time or a small treat. This approach connects their gaming achievements with real-life rewards, making the waiting more meaningful.
Example: After completing a set number of challenges without spending V-Bucks, they could earn a small prize or a movie night.
3. Discussing Resource Management
Fortnite teaches players the importance of managing resources. Encourage your child to save their V-Bucks for items that provide long-term benefits rather than impulsively buying every new skin or item. Teach them to evaluate the long-term value of items versus the immediate satisfaction of purchasing something trendy.
Example: Have discussions about what items they truly want versus those that are merely appealing at the moment. This can help them prioritize their spending and understand the value of saving.
4. Playing Together
Engaging in Fortnite together can provide a platform for meaningful conversations about delayed gratification. As you play, take moments to discuss strategies, choices, and their implications. Use real-time scenarios to emphasize the importance of waiting for the right moment to make moves or to accumulate resources before acting.
Example: If they face a tough opponent, you might discuss the benefits of waiting for the right opportunity to attack instead of rushing in. Relate this to real-life scenarios where patience can lead to better outcomes.
5. Encouraging Self-Reflection
After gaming sessions, have discussions about what your child experienced. Did they feel tempted to spend their V-Bucks immediately? How did waiting for a particular reward make them feel? Self-reflection fosters greater awareness of their impulses and helps them recognize the benefits of patience.
Example: Ask them how they felt when they saved up their V-Bucks for bundle versus when they spent them right away on just one skin. Encourage them to articulate the difference in their gaming experience.
6. Limiting Playtime
Setting boundaries on gaming time can naturally encourage delayed gratification. If your child knows they have limited time to play, they may be more inclined to think carefully about how they use their resources within the game, which fosters strategic thinking and patience.
Example: Establish a schedule that limits gaming to certain days or times. Discuss with your child how this allows them to anticipate their next gaming session and build excitement.
Simply Put
Teaching delayed gratification to children through Fortnite is not just about gameplay; it’s about fostering essential life skills. By incorporating goal-setting, reward systems, resource management discussions, and reflective conversations, parents can turn gaming into a powerful tool for personal development. The lessons learned in a virtual world can translate into valuable skills in real life, preparing children for a future where patience and strategic thinking are key to success.
