As children, we are constantly told, “Share! It’s polite!” But is this lesson truly beneficial? Do we ever stop to consider the implications behind this frequent mantra? Recently, a mom named Sarah Jennings shared her experience at the park that has since resonated with many parents.
While enjoying an afternoon with her son, Max, who had brought along his favorite action figures, they encountered a group of kids who immediately demanded that Max share his toys. This prompted Sarah to take to social media for a candid post that has gone viral and should be a must-read for every parent.
“MY CHILD IS NOT OBLIGATED TO SHARE WITH YOURS,” she boldly declared, using all caps for emphasis. And rightly so.
Sarah recounted how her son was confronted by a swarm of children insisting he hand over his toys. When Max looked to her for guidance, she assured him, “You can say no, Max. Just say no.” Once he did, the other kids rushed to her, complaining about Max’s refusal to share. Sarah calmly explained, “He doesn’t have to share. If he wants to, he will.”
This stance didn’t win her many fans among the other parents present, but Sarah stood firm in her reasoning. “If I, as an adult, were to stroll through the park eating a sandwich, would I be expected to share it with strangers? Absolutely not! Would a polite adult reach for my sandwich and throw a fit if I pulled it away? Again, no.”
She challenged the idea that it’s rude for children to hold onto their belongings, questioning the real etiquette lesson here. “Why must we instill in our kids the belief that they should give everything up just because someone else wants it? If I snag a coveted window seat at my favorite café, I certainly wouldn’t give it up to the first person who looks at it longingly. That’s exactly the message we inadvertently send when insisting our children yield their possessions.”
Sarah emphasized the need to prepare children for adulthood, noting, “While some adults may struggle with sharing, many more are unsure how to establish boundaries or say ‘no.’ I count myself among them.”
It’s crucial we don’t teach our kids that their needs should be secondary. There’s a stark difference between a child who is selfish and one who simply isn’t finished enjoying their toy. As adults, we need to recognize this distinction and stop encouraging our kids to prioritize others’ desires over their own.
“The next time your child comes to you upset because someone isn’t sharing, remember we don’t live in a world where giving up what we have is the norm just because someone asks for it. I will not teach my child that’s how the world works.” And neither should you.
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In summary, Sarah’s post serves as a wake-up call for parents everywhere to rethink the sharing narrative. Teaching our children to share is important, but so is instilling in them the ability to set boundaries and prioritize their own happiness.
Keyphrase: Teaching Kids to Share
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