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Parents across the nation are engaging their children in a unique experiment called the cookie challenge, a trendy phenomenon that has gained traction on TikTok. This challenge investigates not only the generosity of youngsters but also their sense of empathy and ethical reasoning.
In essence, the cookie challenge involves one parent being deprived of a cookie, and the response of children is observed to see how they react under the circumstances. The reactions vary significantly. While some toddlers willingly share their cookie with their parents, others respond with tears, devour their treat, or even suggest that their parents go out and buy more cookies.
Haylee Jandreau from Portland, Maine, shared her experience with the cookie challenge after being inspired by various TikTok videos. She expressed curiosity about how her four-year-old daughter, Maven, would respond to the scenario.
Jandreau explained, “She is sensitive, incredibly empathetic, and very in tune with emotions. She often becomes upset about the extinction of dinosaurs, so I assumed she would share the cookie with me without hesitation. “
As she and her husband, Jacob, conducted the challenge with Maven, they recorded her reaction. Upon realizing her mother was the only one without a cookie, Maven paused thoughtfully. She then took a bite of her treat and suggested that her mother could get a cookie from a local store.
Jandreau noted her daughter’s wisdom, saying, “Maven is wise beyond her four years and is highly motivated by sugary treats. I realized she would likely devise a plan that ensures my happiness without sacrificing her own cookie. Her thought process is always active, and this instance was no different.”
Meanwhile, in Nashville, Tennessee, another mother, Hannah Cook, documented how her son, Judah, reacted when he saw that she did not have a cookie. He initially cried for a moment before offering his cookie to her.
Cook praised her son in her video caption, calling him a “true empath” and expressing her love for him. This heartfelt moment resonated with audiences, leading to over 90 million views.
“We were uncertain about his reaction before starting the challenge,” Cook told Fox News Digital. “We didn’t predict the outcome. However, we hoped he would share, as we prioritize those values in our household.”
But does the cookie challenge genuinely assess a child’s empathetic abilities? According to Mary Margaret Fair, a licensed clinical social worker based in Dallas, the short answer is no.
“Empathy is a multifaceted emotion that develops as children mature, requiring both cognitive capacity and emotional intelligence,” Fair explained. “There is no scientific basis for this challenge, meaning it likely does not measure empathy accurately, nor does it clarify what it is measuring instead.”
Fair pointed out that the foundational aspects of empathy begin to appear in children around ages two to four. She emphasized that traits like generosity or greediness don’t inherently signify empathy.
“Many behaviors are acquired rather than innate feelings of empathy,” she elaborated. “While there might not be a specific age at which empathy fully crystallizes, structured environments usually foster these behaviors, guided by interactions with peers or adults.”
Numerous factors can influence a child’s willingness to share. Fair remarked on her extensive work with families from varying socioeconomic backgrounds.
“All these aspects could play a critical role in determining a child’s decision to share during the cookie challenge,” Fair noted. “Considerations might include food security, emotional state, time of day, parent-child relationships, and even developmental capabilities.”
Essentially, what can be gleaned from the cookie challenge is whether a child chooses to share a cookie in that specific moment, according to Fair.
“Beyond that, my perspective is that this challenge serves as a lighthearted and enjoyable activity for families to engage in together,” she stated.
Hannah Cook shared a similar sentiment regarding the cookie challenge.
She remarked, “Every child exhibits unique qualities, and each developmental stage brings its own set of expectations. Judah is only two, so we maintain realistic expectations for his age. However, it is heartening to recognize that the values we emphasize in our home are taking root.”
As the cookie challenge continues to gain popularity, it reflects not only parental engagement but also the broader conversations about empathy, sharing, and moral development in children.
Emphasizing connection within families, these moments generate laughter and introspection, reminding us of the complexities involved in child development.
