THE MARSHMALLOW TEST

Have you heard about the marshmallow test?

This is how you do it -

1. Put your child (four-year-olds were the group originally studied) at a table with a marshmallow in front of her.

2. Explain the rules.  Tell your child that you have to go do something but will soon return. If she waits until you return, she'll get another marshmallow.  Make sure the child understands the second marshmallow for waiting.

3. Go out of the room and wait between 5 and 20 minutes until you come back.

4. If the child still has his marshmallow, give her another marshmallow.

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Why would you do this?

Well this was originally done 40 years ago by Stanford University Psychology Department. The children were followed throughout life. The ones who waited scored an average of 210 points higher on their SATs and had more confidence, concentration and a sense of responsibility as adults.

In fact, the differences between those who ate and those who waited were HUGE. The ones who waited had more success in marriage, earned more money, enjoyed their careers and lived more contented lives than those who didn't.

Here's some VERY CUTE video of kids doing the marshmallow test. 

It's fun to watch at least part of it

This is what I want to know. If your kid is in the video eating a marshmallow, does that mean you already know he'll blow it as an adult? Do you give up on your child because he ate a marshmallow?

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And here's the marshmallow test at my house. (The dog ate them :) )

Comments

[Melinda]

Wow...this was quite humorous to watch! :)

[cbcsparksdirector]

Yes, I thought it was fun.