The Marshmallow Test

Today I read a book that mentioned the Marshmallow Test. The marshmallow test is... "I will give you 1 marshmallow now. Then I will set the timer for 15 minutes. If you do not eat this marshmallow I will give you 2 when the timer beeps." Their first response was "I just want one now! Give me one please?!" I explained they could have 2 but if they only wanted 1 then they could eat it now. Then I heard "Well.... I think I want 2." So I set the timer and after about 2 minutes.... this was the scene. Then I realized that JB was licking his marshmallow. I told him he could not lick it... he had to wait. They smelled the marshmallow... the lamented on 'why do we have to wait.' HC even told JB that I changed my mind and said he could eat it now. They squeezed the marshmallow. Looked at the marshmallow.. made beards with the marshmallow
Used the marshmallow as pirate patches..
And finally.... it happened! The timer beeped!!!! WOOHOOO!!! There were shouts of joy and jumping and much laughter!
They did it... they could now eat 2 marshmallows!
Ta-dah!!! JB could not wait another second... he took a bite before I had them posed!

The book I was reading was 'Love as a Way of Life' by Gary Chapman. The topic was patience. How that is a rare character trait we see displayed these days. They mentioned this test and how a child who can wait the allotted time shows that they can see the bigger picture in a situation and may display more patience. They also display self-control. I have seen programs showing this test happening (usually with M&M's) and some kids ate the treat while others waited. I've wanted to try this with my two but kept forgetting. Finally... I see that they did struggle with the temptation of instant gratification but... they can overcome. That is so encouraging considering the moans I often hear in a grocery store for wanting x-thing nOOOOWW! It was a fun discovery!