My Grandsons Want to Return to the Indoor Water Park — But First, They Have to Earn It
A few days ago, my grandsons sat me down and said, “Grandma (or Grandpa), can we go back to that indoor water park at Great Wolf Lodge?” Their faces lit up just imagining the slides, the waves, the lazy river, and the splash zones. But my heart sank a little. Because to me, that trip is pricey — more than just a few meals or souvenirs. It’s a luxury.
I want them to enjoy life, to make wonderful memories. But I also want them to learn something deeper: that things we truly want often need effort, forethought, and yes, sacrifice.
The Challenge: A Simple Canister and a Clear Goal
Rather than shutting them down or saying “no” outright, I proposed a challenge. I told them: “You’re welcome to go back — but only if you help save toward it. Every time you choose not to spend a little treat—say, skipping a $5 item—you put that money into this canister. When it’s full, we’ll book the stay.”
I expected the usual pattern: some enthusiasm at first, then fade. Maybe a few coins, then stopping. But what happened surprised me.
More Commitment Than I Anticipated
Over the next few days, I watched them pause whenever they felt tempted. “Do I really need this?”—they would ask, holding a small toy or snack. Then they’d slip that dollar or two into the canister instead. Their resolve grew. Their conversations shifted: “If I skip this now, we’ll get closer to the water slides.” The little grand gestures compounded.
To date, they’ve nearly filled what I thought would be an unrealistic goal. I never imagined they’d show that much persistence for something they want so dearly. Yet here they are, inching toward it.
Why This Matters: A Lesson in Sacrifice, Responsibility, and Desire
You may wonder: why go through such a process for a simple vacation? Because I believe that the things we really want deserve more than just instant gratification. They deserve hard work, delayed impulses, and a sense of ownership.
I also believe that children learn through these small but meaningful lessons. When they give up something small now, they begin to understand budgeting, choice, and consequences. They begin to see that life’s best rewards are rarely “free”—they come through effort, persistence, and wise decisions.