Semantics

Having just turned two, A. is still a bit confused about some of the foundational elements of social relationships. Take the notion of "sharing," for example. Although she's by no means an acquisitive or aggressive child, she does enjoy the fact that some things are clearly hers, and she defends her possessions quite effectively. In recent months, several items have passed through her list of Things that No One Else Including Her Parents Shall Handle: a rubber goldfish, a wooden hot dog from her kitchen set, a small metal whisk, and a few other odds and ends. At any one time, I don't think the list contains more than one or two items, but the list exists, and violations of its integrity are addressed with great swiftness and determination.

At the same time, A. is generally very good about sharing her things. When adult visitors stop by, she distributes her toys more or less evenly between them -- a stuffed frog for one, a small plastic truck for another, and so on. Such gestures of appeasement will probably earn her a lot of favor in her life. With her peers, however, things become trickier and more competitive and more conventionally toddler-ish.

Which perhaps explains why this morning -- as my two dogs were struggling over a stuffed toy of their own -- my daughter looked at me, pointed at the canine combatants, and announced that "They're sharing!"

TAGS: Toddlers
POST TOOLS:         

Recent Entries:
· Cousins
· Lessons from the Lake: Technology never dies
· Lessons from the Lake: Conflict CAN be good...I think...

[ READER COMMENTS ]

Add your comments...

We kindly ask that you keep your comments relevant to this blog entry. Abusive or inappropriate comments or comments that are specifically promotional in nature may be removed.

Your Name: (required)

Your Email Address: (required, will be kept private)

Your Website's URL: (optional)

Would you like us to remember your info for next time?
YesNo

Your Comments: