Childhood Lessons in Saving: My Bamboo Bank Story
Growing up, one of the highlights of every new year in our household wasn’t just the fireworks or the midnight feast—it was the moment my dad would gather us around and present us with something special: our bamboo banks. I still remember the feeling of excitement and wonder when he handed me that smooth, hollowed-out bamboo, carved carefully with a slit on top. It wasn’t just a bank; it was a promise, a challenge, and a family tradition that I looked forward to every year.
My dad would always begin the same way, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye: “Whatever you save in here by the end of the year, we’ll double. Every single coin.” I remember clutching that bamboo bank as if it held the secret to endless riches. To a child, the idea of doubling whatever little money I managed to save was pure magic. It wasn’t just about the money—it was the thrill of watching it grow, knowing that if I could resist the urge to spend, there was something bigger waiting for me at the end of the year.
But it wasn’t always easy. Throughout the year, the temptation to crack open that bamboo bank was real. Whenever I saw something shiny or new at the store, I’d feel the weight of the bamboo in my hands, knowing there were coins inside, waiting to be spent. “But what if I just take out a few?” I’d wonder. The thought crossed my mind more than once. Yet, I held back, imagining the grand reveal at the end of the year—hearing the clatter of all the coins I’d saved, and seeing the pride in our parents’ eyes as he matched my efforts, coin for coin.
When December finally rolled around, it felt like a ceremony. My siblings and I would gather around as my dad ceremoniously cut open our bamboo banks with a knife, and the coins would tumble out onto the table. The sound was exhilarating. We’d count every last cent, the anticipation growing with each handful of coins. Then came the best part—my parents would take out an envelope, and with a big smile, they’d hand us double the amount we had saved. It was a moment of triumph, and it wasn’t just about the money. It was about the lessons tucked inside that bamboo bank: patience, discipline, and the understanding that good things truly come to those who wait.
That simple family tradition shaped my view of money, teaching me from a young age the power of delayed gratification. It wasn’t always easy to resist the pull of instant gratification, but the reward was always worth the wait.
Saffi Squirrel Teaches Patience and "Better Later"
In our Saffi Squirrel series, we simplify the concept of delayed gratification to make it relatable for kids. In the book Rafael Stretches His Patience, we introduce terms that resonate with children—"Good Now" for instant gratification and "Better Later" for delayed gratification. This helps them understand that while it's tempting to go for quick rewards, holding out can bring even better ones.
At home, I try to instill this value by making everyday moments a learning experience. For example, when we’re in a queue, instead of showing impatience, I make it a point to demonstrate calm waiting and come up with fun activities to keep them engaged. In the book, the characters learn a chant, which we also recite in real life to help manage their impulses.
It’s a simple yet effective way to turn waiting into a positive experience, showing them that sometimes, the best things come to those who wait.
Long-Term Thinking for Financial Success
Delayed gratification isn’t just a value for childhood—it’s a powerful tool for success later in life, especially when it comes to money and investing. Many people struggle with impulse buys, focusing only on what feels good in the short term. But if we want to achieve big dreams, we need to harness the power of thinking long-term. Teaching our children patience and the ability to prioritize "Better Later" sets the stage for financial wisdom in adulthood. Instead of succumbing to every desire, they learn to wait, save, and invest in things that can truly pay off in the future—whether it's saving for a down payment on a home, investing in education, or building a business.
Beyond Money Matters
Delayed gratification isn’t just about managing finances or waiting for bigger rewards—it’s a life skill that extends into all areas of life. It teaches us patience, perseverance, and the ability to look beyond immediate satisfaction to focus on long-term goals. Whether it’s waiting for the right job, building meaningful relationships, or mastering a skill, the ability to wait and work for something better is invaluable. It’s about knowing that the path to success is a journey, and sometimes, the wait makes the reward even sweeter.
