Sharing Scenario

Possible scenario:

Grant takes baby brother Hudson’s toy; Grant gets punished for not sharing when Hudson protests. Hudson takes Grant’s toy; Grant gets punished for not sharing when he refuses Hudson the toy.  This could cause Grant confusion and resentment of baby brother.

Thankfully these brothers have wise parents and the scenario actually goes like this:

When Hudson comes near the toys Grant has been playing with, Grant hears from a parent, “Hudson, Grant is playing with these toys. You can’t just take something that someone else is using. Let’s ask Grant nicely if he will share one of his toys.”  Then Grant chooses one toy he can let Hudson play with.  If Grant is not willing to share at least one toy, then he gets time out.  If he shares, he gets a star on a chart leading up to a treat when the chart is filled.   If Hudson continues to try to take the toys that Grant has set up to play with, Grant hears from a parent, “Hudson, Grant has already shared a toy with you; you might need a time out for a few minutes” and the parent tries to divert Hudson with something else.   Hudson gets time out if he still refuses to leave Grant’s toys.

When Grant takes a toy from Hudson, Grant is reminded that he can’t just take something that someone else is using and he must ask Hudson nicely if he will share a toy.  The parent helps Hudson find a different toy to share with Grant.  If Grant refuses the alternate toy from Hudson and makes a fuss, then he gets time out.

Grant as the older brother is encouraged to help teach sharing to Hudson.  Grant is given a cup of cheerios and Hudson is given a cup of cheerios.  Parent suggests that Grant give Hudson a cheerio and Hudson is guided to give Grant one, saying the Bible verse, ‘Be ready to share’ each time they share.

It takes zeal and perseverance to train children in the way they should go.   Don’t grow weary in well doing; you will see the fruit of your labor (Galatians 6:9)

For a one week lesson plan on sharing see http://www.trainupthechild.org/2011/01/12/sharing/

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Sibling Rivalry

How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity!
Psalm 133:1

God desires your children to get along more than you do – He calls it a good and pleasant thing!!!! But dealing with the sibling rivalry, among preschoolers especially, is anything but pleasant; it is an exhausting 24/7 job to deal with each disagreement or aggressive behavior.

Sibling rivalry must be dealt with patiently, persistently, and perceptively:

Patience is accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it.  Be patient as God works in the life of your children. “We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need. May you be filled with joy,” Col. 1:11

Persistence means purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition. Don’t give up; you will see the fruit of your labor!! “So don’t get tired of doing what is good. Don’t get discouraged and give up, for we will reap a harvest of blessing at the appropriate time.” Galatians 6:9

Perception is discerning or seeing through a surface problem to root causes and then dealing with those causes rather than always punishing the surface problem.  “The Lord doesn’t make decisions the way you do! People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at a person’s thoughts and intentions.” 1 Samuel 16:7

Why is your child refusing to share?  Why is he acting out?   Why does he push his sibling? We want others to understand when we have a bad attitude.  Try to understand why your child is having issues.  Ask God to show you the root causes and how to deal with them. He will never fail you when you ask Him to lead you. 

He will feed his flock like a shepherd.
He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart.
He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.

Isaiah 40:11

 

 

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