Deferred gratification

It's hot. It's sticky. We're tired after a morning of swimming lessons. My children are lobbying for a bubble tea.

Oh, they're clever. They know that Mumma loves Bubble Tea. We get the fruit smoothie ones with the pearls (well, some of us take the chewy "bubble" pearls and others opt out or ask for only a few).

"They're healthier than popsicles or slurpees," coaxes my oldest son.

"That's right. They're made with real fruit Mum," says my second-oldest boy, backing his brother completely. Play the health card, I can practically see him thinking. She likes healthy food. That'll win her over.

"They're yummy! Bubble tea!" shouts my youngest boy, jumping with excitement, face awash in anticipation and expectation.

"Yaaaaaaaaaaaaay," squeals baby girl, who at 22 months may or may not understand what is being asked for but realizes that it's really, really good.

But we had Bubble Tea yesterday as our Super Big Treat for this week (photo evidence included with this post). I would love to go and order us each a lovely big cup straight away, but I can't. It would not be respecting the budget I've set for myself. It would be over-indulging in a good thing. And I must set a good example.

And so I smile and say, well that would be lovely wouldn't it? But next week. Next week we'll have it as our treat again if that's what we all agree on. Naturally they're disappointed but we talk about how having a treat everyday might seem amazing but really it would make it less special. And Bubble Tea, I remind them, does cost a fair bit at $3.50 a serving. They submit to reason and all agree it will be our treat next week, when Nana and Papa visit us no less.

Mmmm. Blueberry-raspberry Bubble Tea. I can't wait.