When the twins were 2, the only show we really watched was Sesame Street. Our schedule then dictated that we have a night-time snack. We somehow got in the habit of eating bananas. We would make them wait until "Elmo's World" came on. This went on for months. Then, we added other shows to our repertoire and Sesame Street fell out of favor. So did bananas. We moved and didn't watch anything for a week or two. We started eating dinner later and stopped having a night-time snack. Their entire routine was altered.
A few weeks ago, we recorded a new Sesame Street and offered it to the children to watch for their pre-bed show. They reluctantly agreed to forgo Dora and Diego. Imagine our surprise when as soon as "la la lala la la lala, Elmo's World" sounded the kids demanded a banana. Seriously, it had been months! They were conditioned! Sesame Street has made it back into the rotation and every time they hear that music, all three of them run into the kitchen to look for a banana.
Now, how to harness that power for good? Still working on that. What experiment should we try now that we have proven classical conditioning for toddlers?
I think that is something, to hear Elmo and run for a banana. At least it something that is good for you.
ReplyDeleteThat is too funny!! :)
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