From what I understand of this idea, it has nothing to do with whether giving up a toy to another child constitutes sharing/is desirable, or with that overused phrase “entitlement”; it’s that kids age 2 or 3 aren’t developmentally ready for structured sharing so to speak. Rather, while little kids will sometimes share spontaneously and can be quite empathetic, they learn real sharing by example which they will hopefully follow when they are old enough.
I’m not sure this fits completely with my observations of my own kids at this age but I can follow the logic that even if the child can understand it’s not fair for one person to eat all the cookies she is probably not yet able to follow through on that consistently and there’s not much point in forcing her to do it.
I agree. Do you think I can list them on Craig’s List? Two 5 year olds, one boy, one girl. Free to a good home. All shots up to date. Have problems sharing.
I don’t entirely agree with the philosophy because sharing is a common courtesy. You look like a dick if you’re using something and don’t let your guest at least have it for a little bit. But at the same time, forcing them to share is idiotic. It should be encouraged.
Yes, and yes. Sharing is a common courtesy, but being forced to share may not be a good idea. I can understand being forced to share some things, (the crayons…) but not others (the truck or the doll).
