Living in a world of Instant Gratification
I have been reflecting lately on the busyness of the world we live in. We look for the shortest line at the check-out so we can get in and out as quickly as we can. We get frustrated when the barista takes too long with our coffee order, or when we are stuck behind a slow car in the carpark and desperately need to get to an appointment. Our world is so busy and focussed on getting what we need straight away. If we as adults struggle with this, how much more must our students? And yet Jesus calls us to be in the world, but not of it. So how can we guide our young people into becoming men and women who are not caught up in the instantaneity of getting everything they want, whilst also modelling this ourselves?
Social Media, Screens and AI:
The use of social media and screen time in general, has amplified this need to be constantly entertained. The algorithms push content designed to distract, and gaming, scrolling or watching videos provides that dopamine hit. This physically rewires the brain to expect instant gratification. I was listening to a podcast the other day where the presenter shared that 15 years ago when children watched a TV show, the plot would develop over the first 10-15 minutes. Now, this needs to unfold in the first few seconds to maintain attention on the show.
AI has also started to infiltrate the learning of our students. Rather than struggle with a question and use critical thinking skills, an answer can be found immediately by purely writing the question into AI. So how do we practically teach our kids to delay this instant gratification when everything about our world is designed to distract and reduce joy and creativity?
Psalm 46:10 says to ‘Be still and know that I am God’. This is one of my favourite scriptures as it constantly reminds me to refocus my attention on Him and quieten my soul. It is a Biblical principal to slow down and pause. Dr Justin Coulson from the Happy Families podcast, suggested these very practical tips in shaping kids ability to wait and develop patience:
- Rather than binging an entire series in a weekend, set aside one night each week to watch the episode with your child.
- There are a pair of shoes your son or daughter wants. Rather than buy them straight away, set aside a time in a fortnight to go back and get them together.
- Pick a line at a checkout which is a little longer. This gives time to converse with your child, whilst also developing their patience.
- Play a boardgame which focuses on taking turns and waiting.
The aim is to demonstrate that waiting is not a bad thing. This then develops resilience and persistence in our kids. It also helps to create space for creativity and joy!
Learning from failure:
Our Rite Journey program in Year 9, sets up challenges for our students which not only encourage them to step out of their comfort zone, but also learn to be ok with failure. It is actually only when we fail at something, that we truly learn and develop new skills. This is part of life. The student who turns up at the swimming carnival, despite their fears, and still comes last, learns that there are always people who will cheer you on despite your talent. They learn that they don’t have to be good at absolutely everything. Or they learn that they want to improve and focus on training so the following year, they may be able to improve their position in the race.
In contrast, the student who performs terribly at an oral presentation, rather that seeing this as a reflection of their character, chooses to learn from the experience and find ways to hone their skills so it not only benefits them in a classroom situation, but also for real life. They refine their skills so it will profit them when they go for a job interview. Or share at Youth Group. Or leave school and enter the workforce. Developing resilience after a failure is an important life skill for our students and takes time and patience. Unlike a video game or a TikTok video, we do not always see the results straight away.
At Maranatha, we want to guide our students so they will be equipped and ready for life after school. We want to see them develop the resilience to encounter hard things and then learn from these experiences when they don’t go the way they want them to. As educators, we have been placed in a unique and privileged position to partner with you as parents and guide our students.
Renee Twyford
Year 9 Coordinator
Maranatha Christian School
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