How to teach a 4 years old girl to think ahead?

Question

My daughter is very stubborn when she sees something she likes, she become closed minded. I would like during that moment to teach her that she should be more patient because their might be something better of the same thing in the near future.

Answer 1

at four they are not going to understand that. they don't think of the future they just know they want it NOW

Answer 2

THEY ARE CAPABLE!! of understanding If you explain it to her and she still chooses the lesser of the 2 then when the time would have came for # 2 She will KNOW and remember, Explain it to her exactly and SHE WILL understand People do not give kids enuff credit these days if ya ask me

Answer 3

Four year old children do not think like adults, they are not miniature adults they are small children and have minds of small children not adults.  She doesn't understand the concept of thinking ahead, all she understands is now.  You can pontificate and lecture until the cows come home but that isn't going to make her understand.  A simply "No" is sufficient.  If she throws a tantrum, remove her from the area if you are shopping.  If at home place her in time out.    

Answer 4

Delayed gratification...what a wonderful thing to focus on for your daughter!  The main principle in teaching this is to give her lots of opportunities to practice in the comfort of your own home.  There is the classic cookie on the table example.  Put a cookie on the table right in front of her, tell her you have to leave, but will be back in one minute and if she doesn't eat the cookie she can have two.  Work with her until she can make herself wait.  Create opportunities like this often.  If she gets used to waiting one minute, up the time to five minutes or half an hour.  Let her experience the satisfaction of waiting and then getting something more worthwhile.  Have her save up for special toys or family outings.  Don't always tell her exactly what she will get for waiting, just tell her it will be worth it, often in real life, we have to rely on those with more wisdom than us telling us "trust me it will be worth it".  There are so many opportunities you can give her to practice.  Have fun, be creative.  The important thing is to let her fail sometimes too, so that she learns that you miss out on the most desired thing if you don't wait.  

It might sound silly to create these artificial situations, but there is no better way to learn than frequent practice.  It will serve her well all throughout her life!  

Answer 5

yea... have fun with that