How "Not-So-Good" Things Can Actually Be Good!

We don't have to be keen scientists or behavioral experts to conclude that kids prefer ice cream over water, cake over broccoli, playing over doing chores or homework. We've been kids once! Who likes waking up early? Doing homework? Taking tests? Or medicines? Yuck! (I've met a mother whose young daughter says she likes bitter gourd. But that's more of an exception. I have yet to hear of another kid who would say that!)

So, why didn't we realize that those sugary stuff made us either hyperactive or lethargic, or that they caused our stomach ache and tooth decay? Why didn't we realize then that our parents and teachers were just training us to become diligent and responsible persons?

My youngest son, when he was seven said he wished there was a gadget that you could place over your head and be able to "download" (we didn't know that term then; that was before we got computer literate ) all information into your brain, and be done with school! I remember my brother saying something similar to that when we were kids, too. I wouldn't be surprised if there were more of you who thought of that. As students, it is difficult to understand what you would need algebra or trigonometry in life for (unless you really want to be a mathematician). Or why you would have to take up several terms studying your national language, when you can read, speak and write it well anyway (or so you think).

So, what is it about vegetables or chores or homework or tests or medicines that we don't like? I think it's human nature to equate good things with having a pleasant or sweet taste, or being easy to do. It goes against our grain to like bitter stuff or to want to exert effort. It's just not in our system to like being constrained into doing something.

It will take discipline and strong motivation and an understanding of the benefits of whatever we want to achieve in order to overcome our propensity for liking 'good' stuff. It will take discipline and a strong desire to become a winner for an athlete to appreciate the value of an arduous training. It will take an understanding of what a medicine is for for a sick kid to be able to close his eyes and swallow the bitter concoction (not just an I'm-the-mom-and-I-say-so litany). Even as adults, we have to be convinced enough to know why healthy eating habits and exercise are important to avoid high blood pressure or heart ailment.

(to be continued)