In response to this post, my grandfather emailed me this:
Dear Don and Brenda Lisa: Your video is great! It reminds me of a principle my step mother taught us when your mother, Shauna, was just a little one – probably Brody’s age. We were at home one day when some friends came by to visit. With them was another little girl Shauna's age. The little ones were playing together when a little frustration and strife showed up because both of them wanted the same toy. We were determined to teach Shauna the glory of sharing and made her give the toy to the other little girl, which made Shauna unhappy. My mom -- Nana -- happened to be there with us and watched the whole drama.
Nana took us aside and said, "You are making a big mistake. She is too young to be forced to share. First, you must teach her the pride of possession. Teach her that things given to her are hers, that she must care for them and be responsible for them. If you don't do this while she is young, she will go through life with no sense of duty to care for her things. In a year or two, she will, of her own free will and choice, begin sharing her possessions with others."
I have thought about this idea a lot over the years. It seems to have a ring of truth to it.
Grandfather
Isn’t that excellent advice?! Brody sure loves it
I actually love that advice. I've never understood why adults force children to share, when if the tables were turned, we (as adults) would throw a fit if we had to let other people drive our cars, eat our food, use our computers, etc. everytime they felt compelled to say, "My turn!" Your grandpa seems like a genuine stud, with great advice. So cool that he shares...at least when it comes to advice. And he's right, most people learn that sharing is nice, when it's by choice. :)
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