I gave each of my children and myself a marshmallow with the instruction that if we did not eat the one marshmallow for 15 minutes I would give everyone two. My 2 year old twins ate theirs right away and wanted more-I don't think they understood the condition or perhaps 2 year old children are just not patient. My 6 year old put hers on the counter and walked away to watch cartoons while she waited. She was very excited when the timer went off. My 4 year old earned a second marshmallow but I don't know if she could have done it on her own. She too went to watch cartoons but she took her marshmallow with her. She was distracted by the tv but at the same time very aware of her marshmallow. At one point when she had about 2 minutes left she started licking her marshmallow and asked me if she could eat it. I told her if she waited she could have 2. She was able to wait-good girl!
A Few Thoughts on Passing Judgment
10 years ago