"Mine!!!!!" Toddler's Property Rules

Have you seen this before?

"Toddler's Property Rules

Rule 1.        If I like it, it is mine.

Rule 2.        If it is in my hands, it is mine.

Rule 3.        If I can take it from you, it is mine.

Rule 4.        If I had it a little while ago, it is mine.

Rule 5.        If it is mine, it must not appear to be yours in any way.

Rule 6.        If I am doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.

Rule 7.        If it looks just like mine, it is mine."

Sharing is a hard job for kids.  Just by acknowledging this fact can be some help in times of crisis.

Here are some tips:

• Forcing your child to share doesn't really teach sharing, so don't force your child to share at all.
• Be a model...  You can start sharing your bagel, apple, your pen, your time, your hat, your clothes and your own old childhood or newly purchased toys with the other family members...
• If sharing a certain toy is an issue for your child, ask him/her to leave it at home before going to a playdate.
• You can share TV time with your kids by watching their favorite program or taking turns and watching each other's favorite programs.
• When a kid asks another for the specific toy he's playing, you can ask the child with the toy to hand the toy when he is done playing with it.  Changing the way of asking and respecting seems to have a magic touch...

Enjoy sharing and playing everyday :)

Sedef