Got this from listening to Subir Chowdhury on Bulletproof Radio.
This is a question Subir’s grandfather used to ask him when he was six years old and he still remembers. I am going to do this with Madison soon.
Offer your child a coin (quarter) ( I may upgrade this to a $5 for inflation) or a pen. Which would they choose?
If they choose the money (which most will to fulfill an immediate desire for candy or some other short-term “need”), say “No, the wrong choice”.
Always choose the pen. With a pen, you can create something, you can write notes for years on college, you can take tests, you can pen a master piece. With the pen, you have long term creativity. With the money you have short term desire fulfillment, then you need more. Always choose long term creativity.
The Coin and the Pen Challenge is a great idea! I have two kids old enough at the moment (10 & 9) to take the challenge. I will be studying their faces closely for that “ah ha” moment when I explain it to them.