See that turtle Pokemon? 🐢 My son wants it. Now, I think claw machines are a waste of money, but my son has an excellent way of framing the situation.

“Daddy, I want to challenge myself. I don’t need your help.” he stated.

Okay kiddo, just take my money.

On the way to the claw machine, he actually stimulated how to use it, with his big hand gestures enlivening the space. If this isn’t positive visualisation, I don’t know what is.

Of course, he didn’t get his coveted toy. He simply said, “残念です。 (That’s unfortunate.)” Embodying the Stoic philosophy before elementary school? Colour me impressed.

Best $1 I have ever spent, but I hope he doesn’t make it a habit of doing it frequently. Then, we went home. Galvanised by his desire, he provided creative inputs for me to build his claw machine.

He demonstrated how failure can also yield fun.