In the late 1960's, psychologist Walter Mischel led several experiments on delayed gratification involving four year olds and a bunch of marshmallows. The premise is simple and I explain at the beginning of the video.
The characteristic these experiments test - basically self-control - has been to be a fundamental predictor of success in life. I've always said I'm going to test all my children in when they reach four years old - not because I want to see how successful they will be as adults, after all to think one can truly predict that is hopeful at best and ridiculous at worst.
Basically, I just wanted to see which children I might want to keep a close eye on.
Although, I haven't met a mother yet who doesn't already know the answer to that question by about two. Most can predict which children will scarf the marshmallow and which won't. I accurately predicted Griffin's behavior...
but you'll have to watch the video to find out!
Don't miss the hilarity around moment 2:50.
Would you ever perform the marshmallow test on your child? Or do you already know what they will do? How important do you believe self-control to success?
