I mean, it isn’t that easy to share, look at us, it’s so
hard for me to share my favorite bag; I love my handbags. So now tell me, now how
shall I teach my son to share is favorite Ball?
Yes, it is hard. At any age it may be, the concept of
sharing is not an easy one to get connected with. It’s an uphill battle to
learn the model of sharing, and our little toys are at their first step.
The understanding of sharing should be a continuous, yet
filtered process. We can’t tell them one thing one day and stone hinge it for
life. A child’s mind is like an amusement park. Where too much is going on at
one time. We just have to find the best ‘momentary’ trick to solve the issue in
hand. In our case, it’s sharing.
A child’s behavior and habits are results of two major
reasons, exploring her/his individuality and copying their best examples;
parents. And we, as parents can control only one. While teaching my 3 ½ year
old I came across these resolutions, and I must confess I kept it same since
his first motor skill developed.
- Explain your child everything. Just like you would to a primitive being. Nothing is easy for them to understand.
- Never lie to them, especially if it is about their favorite toy/thing/food. If you know he/she will have to share it, make sure you explain it before hand, and mention it again.
- If you know your child is not ready to share a particular toy, always keep it out of common reach. Kids are emotional with favorites. And hence if the same situation arises with the other child in contact, accept the same from their parent.
- Always defend your child, but never leave the other child for his/her parent. It’s a wrong lesson for your child. He/she will never learn compassion of forgiveness and acceptance of mistakes.
- Let them fight their own battles, and never choose sides.
- As an adult unconsciously put rules in place for sharing at home. You wouldn’t want your child to use your hair brush or towel. But share a slice of cake.
I’ve made my share if mistakes as a parent. And I’m sure I’ll
continue doing them, but I learn every day.
