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Picture this…a world where no one is in need because their neighbors (or even strangers) will reach out and provide by sharing what they have.
Hmmmmm…..sounds like Utopia.
But is a goal we should strive towards on a global level? I think so.
And, is it a goal we can reach within our own family units? I know it is!
In the movie, Nanny McPhee was able to “convince” the children to share with each other by having them share their beds with various farm animals. As I look carefully, it seems that putting in place three of components of balance and harmony: DISCIPLINE, MANNERS AND ACCEPTING THE CONSEQUENCES OF ONE’S ACTIONS, is what insured the success of reaching the goal of learning to share.
Is sharing a problem in our home?
How do you handle it?
You all know how passionate I am about using picture books to help children deal with the challenges they encounter in their early years. Reading picture books to young child engages them in the world between the pages, encourages them to observe what is happening to the characters in the story and allows them to relate those events to their own experiences.
Check out the following books that address the issue of sharing:
IT’S MINE by Leo Lionni
SHARING IS FUN by Joanne Cole
MINE! By Kevin Luthardt
IT’S MY BIRTHDAY by Pat Hutchins
THE LITTLE RED HEN AND THE EAR OF WHEAT by Mary Finch
ONE FOR ME, ONE FOR YOU: A BOOK ABOUT SHARING by Sarah Albee
Nanny McPhee’s next lesson is about WORKING TOGETHER. I hope you’ll stop by tomorrow.
VIVIAN KIRKFIELD - Writer for Children 
Sharing is important as it helps spread our abundance with others… Is it a learned skill or an inherent quality? I wonder about that because some think of others readily and some don’t unless there is an agenda attached. That is life isn’t it? If we shared more in this world, there would certainly be enough to go around. :-0
Thanks dear Viv!
Eliz
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That’s a great question, Eliz…perhaps, as with everything else, we all have strengths and weaknesses in different areas. For some, sharing may come “naturally” ,while others have to work at it. I think it is the same for many facets of our personalities…some would never think of hitting back even when attacked while others have to restrain themselves when provoked.
The best way to teach our children things like sharing and no fighting and working together is definitely by example. If we can be great role models, we are more than halfway there. 🙂
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I see you and Twitter were having a go at it yesterday lol! Good for you! Are we connected on Twitter? I’ve re-tweeted you but don’t know… Will check. 🙂
E
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Yes, we are and I listed you too 🙂
E
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Eliz,
I do thank you…with everyone pulling for me and the book, I know the word will get out there. 🙂
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Hi,
Like everything sharing needs balance too. I think sometimes we push our kids to share everything when we as adults do not.
I try to make compromises around sharing, sometimes Nia age 4 does not want to share a toy she is playing with and that is ok. But let’s say she is playing with a box of blocks and Jayden age 18 months wants to play too and Nia does not want him to, then I will step in if I have to and divide up the blocks. But most of the time I do not have to step in and it works itself out.
I also agree reading books with stories about sharing is a great help.
Wendy
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Hi Wendy,
Exactly right. 🙂 Balance…moderation…if we all kept those two words in mind, we’d be alot happier, I’m sure. 🙂
I agree that just because another child (or a younger brother or sister) wants something that is already being used, doesn’t mean we should automatically insist he or she “share” it…we are all entitled to our own “stuff” and to completing a project we are working on. I often see parents insisting that a 4 or 5 year old give way to any desires or demands or a younger brother or sister…I think this kind of devalues the older child and makes them feel that what they want or need comes is not as important or worthwhile as what the younger one wants or needs. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. 🙂
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