What can we learn from offering marshmallows as a treat to toddlers?
Perhaps we can learn a lot.
Children and Marshmallows
It was a mildly interesting experiment, and the professor moved on to other areas of research, for, in his own words, “there are only so many things you can do with kids trying not to eat marshmallows.” But as time went on, he kept track of the children and began to notice an interesting correlation: the children who could not wait struggled later in life and had more behavioral problems, while those who waited tended to be more positive and better motivated, have higher grades and incomes, and have healthier relationships.
What started as a simple experiment with children and marshmallows became a landmark study suggesting that the ability to wait—to be patient—was a key character trait that might predict later success in life.
and have healthier relationships.
Waiting Can Be Hard
Patience—the ability to put our desires on hold for a time—is a precious and rare virtue. We want what we want, and we want it now.
Impatience, on the other hand, is a symptom of selfishness. It is a trait of the self-absorbed. It arises from the all-too-prevalent condition called “center of the universe” syndrome
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It means delaying immediate gratification for future blessings.
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It means reining in anger and holding back the unkind word.
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Why do you think there is a connection between patience and happiness?
Fortunately we have some very smart kids. They realized that "instant gratification" does not lead to happiness.
In the old testament, we have a great example in Job as someone who showed patience with the trials that befell him.
Interestingly enough ALL of the girls were fasting when I taught this lesson. ( I am so proud of them!) We were holding a special fast for one of the leaders who was going through chemotherapy. I was so impressed with each of them for their willingness to give up food for two meals while remembering their friend and leader in their prayers. Naturally I discussed with them that fasting is a great way to practice patience. At the end of the lesson (just to make things more interesting) I handed them their handout: the above quote, attached to a baggie with two marshmallows enclosed. Of course they had to wait to eat it till they closed their fast....
Even with their treat they got to practice patience!
Haha!
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Have a great and patient week, everyone!!
xox, Crystelle