While sharing is hard, why is it hardest with the ones we love?  Most children will jump on top of someone who is taking things from their brother or sister, but ask that same child to share their toy with their sibling and it’s absolutely NOT!

Case in point: Today at school one of my four year old friends was given two lollipops by her teacher.  When her mother and two year old sister came to pick her up from class, her sister asked for one of the lollipops—of course, you can guess the answer-”No they are mine.”  These two sister usually sit together during chapel time, ask their teachers to check on the other if they are near their class, and usually have words of praise for each other .  So what’s up?  The old selfish nature kicking in.

When mom mentioned it to Carolyn, my preschool admin partner for the last 15 years, she very wisely suggested that perhaps mom and little sister might stop at the 7-11 store for a slurpee but since older sister had TWO lollipops she wouldn’t want one, and little sister would not have to “share” with her.  What is this teaching— I need to share with my sister so that she will share with me!!!   The old “Do unto others” advise!

Finding teachable moments is key –I  hope this mom took the opportunity to help her child learn a valuable lesson about sharing with family!