I have a daughter and a nephew and niece that I practically helped raise. I was once a child. Because of that I thought I know kids the way I think I know them, but I was wrong.
Tang did a revolutionary social experiment with 100 kids aged 7-9 from the C-D class in Metro Manila. Half of the kids were boys and half were girls.
A controlled environment was constructed, replete with elements designed to cater to the typical wishes of a child on a shopping spree. The various choices included an extensive range of toys, school supplies, and snacks and other options like a charity box where they can donate the money or the alternative for them to save the money they received. While the children were granted the time to spend and peruse the makeshift shopping paradise, their parents were interviewed regarding their views on what they believed their child would purchase. More than half of the mothers expected their kids to mostly spend on toys and snacks, believing that they were too young for responsible decisions.
They were wrong. Ninety-nine (99) out of 100 children saved most of their money. Many donated to charity. Half of them purchased items for school. One child indeed spent all of his money on food and toys – but to give as gifts to his brothers and sisters.
The conclusion of the social experiment was indeed astonishing, but the most shock was elicited from the parents of the children themselves when the results were revealed. Surprise led to curiosity at what the children purchased. Upon hearing that a vast majority opted to retain their funds in favor of savings or for the benefit of their respective families, parental pride was clearly evident with each smile.
“It was very heartwarming to see how the kids reacted and what they decided to do with the money. I was very surprised and actually quite impressed that my son/daughter is responsible enough to know the value of money and opted to save it instead of spending it on toys,” said one very surprised mom.
In a world where kids can be dismissed as too young for any sense of responsibility, these one hundred children made us question what we thought we knew about kids these days.
“Tang believes that just like the refreshing results of this social experiment, today’s kids can surprise, amaze and delight us in so many more ways, than we can imagine.” says Cyn Icasas, Kraft Beverage Category Marketing Manager. “Whether it be in school, in their community or in their own families, kids can shine when we least expect them to –all they really need is to be given a chance. “
So the next time you think you know kids, dare to question, explore and perhaps be amazed at what you find. To learn more, watch Tang’s “Do you know kids?” social experiment video by logging on to http://www.knowkids.org.ph/ rel=”nofollow” and share the surprise!
Do you have a scenario you want to know how kids will react and how will they feel or think, post the scenario on the comments section and get a chance to win a Kraft gift pack.
5 Comments
awwww.. nakaka touch naman ung naging turn out, napaisip tuloy ako, ano kaya gagawin ng mga anak ko.. baka magahanap ng dress na bibilhin para sa mommy nila
An experiment I want to see if a stranger approach them and give them money, toy or simply chocolate. How would they react? Are they gonna accept it?
One experiment I want to see is when children see a disabled person or an elderly person who is having a hard time picking up things… this will gauge how they value the effort on caring for others. it will also be a wake up call to us if the result is not so good to instill this value on the children of this generation
A surprising experiment indeed. 🙂 I’d also like to see what kids would do when they enter a dark room – if they’d scream, cry, look for the switch, etc.
Assuming that the sampling was valid and there’s no evidence of a Hawthorne effect, then it is indeed interesting. Or was this fascination brought about by a middle-class mind?, (i.e. the preconception that C and D children would have chosen otherwise?) I wonder how A/B children would fare.