Delayed Gratification Then and Now: Reflections on the Classic “Marshmallow Test”

Have you worried that kids are hooked on instant gratification because of all the time they spend using fast-paced technology? Many of us parents wonder about the impact of the ever-present devices that are such a big part of life in today’s world. Indeed, we should consider both the potential benefits and dangers of screen time. But, we also should be open to research that challenges some of our assumptions and expectations about kids today.   Stephanie Carlson, Distinguished McKnight Professor in the Institute of Child Development at the University of Minnesota, joins Mart & Erin this week. She talks about a fascinating study that challenges popular beliefs about children’s ability to delay gratification. And, she proposes ideas about what might account for her encouraging findings. Tune in to learn more about her findings on delayed gratification!   WERE YOU SURPRISED BY RESEARCH FINDINGS ON DELAYED GRATIFICATION? What was your reaction to Dr. Carlson’s findings (i.e. was this different than you would have expected?)? Stephanie said she thought increased public awareness about the importance of “executive function” might be having a positive effect on children’s development. What do you know about executive function and where did you learn it?   WANT TO LEARN MORE? ❉ SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT OF “EXECUTIVE FUNCTION” OR SELF-CONTROL: A CONVERSATION WITH DR. STEPHANIE CARLSON. What researchers call “executive function” and most parents call “self-control” encompasses everything from paying attention in class to managing frustration with a difficult project. So how does executive function develop in children? And, what role do we play as parents in promoting good executive function? Tune in to this episode of Mom Enough to learn more about this important topic.