As I happen to like scoffing Maltesers, I generally get given a box for Father's day.
Unfortunately, as the kids have got older, the time taken to turn a box of Maltesers into just a box has grown progressively shorter.
Last year, I hid the box and did my scoffing in secret, having to wait until I wouldn't be found out. This had a couple of drawbacks. It constrained the times I was able to enjoy them and when I was eventually found out I was faced with accusing glares.
This year I think I have found the solution ... Only open the top lid, leaving the box sealed apart from a hole just large enough for a single Malteser. This limits the rate of consumption, while allowing the box to be sat in the open. The easiest way to get a Malteser out is to tip the box, careful shaking will release multiples.
Now for the test part.
When my youngest first saw the box and tried to get one out, she used the method of sticking a finger in the hole and trying to trap one and maneuver it out. It even fooled my eldest. Now, both of them are intelligent girls, the oldest recently represented her school in a science competition at a University and won in her year.
Does this form of lateral thinking and problem solving develop with age?
Unfortunately now I will have to find another method for next year as Mrs T has revealed the secret
Unfortunately, as the kids have got older, the time taken to turn a box of Maltesers into just a box has grown progressively shorter.
Last year, I hid the box and did my scoffing in secret, having to wait until I wouldn't be found out. This had a couple of drawbacks. It constrained the times I was able to enjoy them and when I was eventually found out I was faced with accusing glares.
This year I think I have found the solution ... Only open the top lid, leaving the box sealed apart from a hole just large enough for a single Malteser. This limits the rate of consumption, while allowing the box to be sat in the open. The easiest way to get a Malteser out is to tip the box, careful shaking will release multiples.
Now for the test part.
When my youngest first saw the box and tried to get one out, she used the method of sticking a finger in the hole and trying to trap one and maneuver it out. It even fooled my eldest. Now, both of them are intelligent girls, the oldest recently represented her school in a science competition at a University and won in her year.
Does this form of lateral thinking and problem solving develop with age?
Unfortunately now I will have to find another method for next year as Mrs T has revealed the secret
