To Take, Or Not To Take
The toddler challenge has soared to incredible heights after many parents have posted their own versions on social media. The challenge is based on the Standford Marshmallow Experiment, which is a psychology study that reports on the topic of delayed gratification.
The parent would place one small reward along with other rewards in front of the toddler. The toddler is then free to choose whether he or she would prefer a petite, but an immediate reward or wait for a little while and then obtain multiple rewards as compensation for being patient. The results, when video recorded, are just about the most adorable clips you can watch!
The toddler challenge has taken the internet by storm. Even celebrities like Gabrielle Union have had their mini-me partake in the adorable trend.
One clip we’ve seen stands out as arguably the cutest gems of the toddler challenge. We have cousins Wyatt and Fynlee taking on the challenge. They both sit at the dinner table with innocent, unsuspecting faces as they receive instructions on what to do. As the voice of authority, Brittany Bell, begins to relay the challenge and set the skittles in front of the toddlers, you can see the toddlers are growing curious as they glance at the skittles.
Challenge Accepted!
“Don’t touch them or eat them until I come back,” said Brittany. As she left, the look on the toddler’s faces switched from quizzical to hilariously hungry as they rubbed their tongues across their mouths. The young boy on the left looked over at his buddy as if he had a master plan waiting to unfold.
“No! Don’t eat them Mom said!” said the cute blonde boy as he reached over to negate his companion’s attempt at grabbing a skittle. After a little booboo sidetracking, the boys began sharing which skittle was their favorite. At this point, cuteness levels are running over the meter as this interaction is truly a delight to witness.
And it gets better. After some small baby talk that can only be deciphered by the world’s greatest linguists, both toddlers seem to ramp up in energy and get reminded about the treat that may soon be tasting. They both begin to wiggle left to right as they can’t contain their overwhelming energy and excitement for the treat they’ve been so patiently holding out on.
Then suddenly, the toddler on the right signals to stop all motion and reminds his cousin that their caretaker has taken quite some time to get back. He begins tapping on his wrist as if signalling that time is ticking here and his hunger may not show much more restraint.
Finally, their caretaker finally arrived after a brief period of time. It looks like the boys did it! They were able to show the value of delayed gratification and would get to enjoy the spoils of victory. Or so we think. Brittany asked, “Did you eat one?” when in a heartbeat the adorable toddler on the right instantly popped a skittle in his mouth and answered, “Yea!”. It seemed like someone couldn’t wait to get their hands on a skittle!
Sweet Sweet Victory
“Good job boys! I love ya’ll!” said Brittany in approval of the toddler’s honorable display of discipline. Just when you thought it was over, the little boy on the left held out to the final seconds of the video only to ask very courteously, “Now I can eat it?” to which Brittany replied, “You may”.
Patient or not, these toddlers have no idea how much they melt our hearts with each adorably confused look on their faces. The toddler challenge is sure to have you thinking about the next time you decide to stick your hand in the cookie jar.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
