In subsequent experiments when they taught four-year-olds “a simple set of mental tricks—such as pretending that the marshmallow is only a picture, surrounded by an imaginary frame—they dramatically improved their self-control. The kids who hadn’t been able to wait sixty seconds could now wait fifteen minutes.” The researchers concluded, “Once you realize that willpower is just a matter of learning how to control your attention and thoughts, you can really begin to increase it.” These experiments clearly indicate that “willpower” or “self-control” can be easily taught to small children.