Everyday Systems

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/ ... NTCMP=SRCH

I hadn't read about the follow up to the marshmallow study. It's really good to know that there are skills to learn.

The marshmallow study was mentioned in Bringing Up Bébé by Pamela Druckerman. In fact, Walter Mischel now lives in Paris and she interviewed him. They don't talk about waiting to eat the marshmallow in terms of "willpower," but in terms of delaying gratification and being patient.

This is something that French kids are apparently taught almost from birth. According to Druckerman, French parents don't see how children can enjoy themselves without learning to be patient and delaying gratification.

This reminds me of what Mark Bittman says about being hungry; it's not an emergency. We can wait to eat.