Kids Should Not Share
One of the many observations as a dad is that of other parents, expecting and forcing their kids to share. The understanding here is to teach children to be generous and to play well with others. These are valuable characteristics to pass to children. However, it doesn’t need to happen at two or three years old. I believe that you shouldn’t teach your kids to share. I’ll explain.
At this age kids barely understand anything. Let alone the concept of playing well with others and sharing. The virtue that is most important here is kindness and generosity. Which is what you’re trying to teach your kids by having them and forcing them to share. I would rather not teach my children to share. Instead teach them to simply give and allow the kids to work it out on their own. Through this experimentation with my own daughter, I have seen her openly give a toy away and share a toy. I’ve also seen her run away with the toy from the other kids. The result being some tears at times and in other moments, the kids are just having fun running in circles.
I believe in teaching giving, not sharing. In adulthood we don’t share our personal items much. We may allow someone to use your phone, we may give them a ride in our car and we may host friends over for dinner. These are forms of sharing in your mind. But really what they’re acts of kindness. Acts of generosity. And this is what you should teach your children.
Allow them to resolve conflict on their own. Just because your kid is terrible at sharing today does not mean he/she is destined for failure in their 30’s. Don’t be dramatic. They will not turn into thieves or criminals at 24 because at 3 they simply don’t want to share.
Disclaimer: don’t teach them through your words. Rather, your actions. You kid is watching more than they’re listening. Openly give and be kind to others. Demonstrate with your kid at home with their toy how you feel when they give to you.
More is caught than taught.
Never worry that your kid isn’t listen, worry that they’re always watching.
Thought Provoking Questions : Are you kind? Are you generous? Are you leading the lives of your kid(s) by example?
Dan Roman is a writer that releases a daily meditation. A quick read. Sharing wisdom and asking thought-provoking questions. Influenced by the obstacles, success and failures in life and of others. Using history, books, current events, philosophy, and ancient wisdom. These writings are actionable, thought-provoking, designed to make your life better.
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