Delay of Gratification in Children Then and Now: Reflections on the Classic “Marshmallow Test” and Children Today

Mom Enough: Parenting tips, research-based advice + a few personal confessions!

Many of us parents worry about the impact of technology and the ever-present devices that are such a huge force in today’s world. Indeed, we should consider carefully 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 (within the U of M’s College of Education & Human Development*), joins Mart & Erin to talk about a fascinating new Marshmallow Test study that challenges popular beliefs about children’s ability to delay gratification, and she proposes ideas about what might account for her encouraging findings. (Thanks to CEHD* for being a supporting partner of Mom Enough.) What was your reaction to Dr. Carlson’s Marshmallow Test 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? For the U of M’s College of Education and Human Development, click here. To read a brief about Dr. Carlson's study, click here. For our executive function show with Dr. Carlson, click here. For Dr. Carlson's lab, click here.