Instant Gratification vs. Climate Cooperation: The Marshmallow Test of Climate Change
I recently published a story about the different responses my children adopted to waiting 24 days to eat all the little chocolates in their advent calendars.
How an Advent Calendar Became Our Kids’ Marshmallow Test
Patience, culture, and chocolate: a parenting experiment in delayed gratification
Worried that one of my kiddos didn’t display the same skills when it comes to delayed gratification, I dug deeper into the science behind it, stumbling upon the now iconic Marshmallow Test.
While I was happy to discover that my younger child wasn’t destined for a lifetime of failure, I got curious about the topic. I write a lot about climate change and climate action, and I wanted to see if someone had tested how this psychological issue affected how we approach the activism behind it.
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Luckily, science didn’t disappoint when finding a study researching the topic. Human behavior, on the other hand, did disappoint a little. However, we must remember that while we can’t fight our nature, we can work to make the most out of it.
Quite fascinatingly, the study I found is now over ten years old, so it was interesting to see how things have changed since and how much they got right.
But going back to the science, what role does delayed gratification play in climate activism, and what can be done? Have we incorporated the results of this study into decision-making yet? Of course not.
As part of my personal climate activism, I'm also trying to be more mindful of what and how I consume products.
Do I need so much stuff? I'm having a hard time putting this book down. The author is so relatable and shows her vulnerabilities and struggles in a way that you can't help but keep reading or listening.
Whether you're a parent, educator, or have kiddos in your life, you're provably thinking about the best gifts for the holiday season.
What if I told you that you can provide them with STEM-based toys? I have recommendations for kids of all ages.
Kids 0 to 4 years old
Looking for Montessori-inspired toys that captivate and educate? Lovevery Play Kits have been a game-changer for our kids, fostering curiosity and creativity through beautifully designed, age-appropriate activities.
Do you know what I wished I had grown up? Cool science experiments to learn from.
I found out that the Science Boxes by MEL Science are exactly what I wished I had.
MEL Science is an educational company that offers monthly subscription boxes designed to make science engaging and accessible for children.
Each kit includes hands-on experiments across subjects like chemistry, physics, and STEM, accompanied by digital experiences such as virtual and augmented reality lessons.
These resources aim to foster a love for science through interactive learning at home.
It has been so much fun putting these resources together for you. So please reach out any time!
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