9 Reasons I Don’t Make My Kids Share

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Picture this: you’ve just found your favorite quiet spot at a coffee shop, steaming cup in hand, and you open your laptop to catch up on some work. Suddenly, a stranger appears and demands, “Hey, can I use that?” You respond, “No way, this is MY laptop!” The stranger whines, “That’s not fair! I want a turn!” Then they go and tell the barista, who swoops in and insists you let the stranger take your laptop. Sounds absurd, right? Well, that’s probably how our kids feel every time we insist they share.

Here are nine reasons I choose not to enforce sharing among my kids and their peers:

  1. No Thanks, Not Rocking the Boat: If my child is deeply engaged in an activity that doesn’t come with a pause button, it’s best to let them be. Just as I wouldn’t snatch your cake ingredients while you’re baking, I won’t interrupt my child’s creative flow.
  2. Concentration is Key: Imagine engrossed in a thrilling book when someone suddenly flings it out the window. That chaos can be overwhelming, and it’s even worse when I’m a mom juggling interruptions all day long.
  3. Standing Up for My Kids: I refuse to be the parent who takes away that crucial Lego piece from my son while he’s building something spectacular. Legos belong to him, and so do the rules.
  4. Sharing is Just Odd: Think about it—do we share our cars, our favorite chairs, or our partners? Nope. So why should we expect our kids to share everything?
  5. Fairness is a Myth: Contrary to what kids believe, life isn’t fair, and it never will be. That other child may have had the toy longer, but that’s just how it goes. Life lessons start early!
  6. Empowerment Through Choices: My parenting journey is about teaching my kids to make their own decisions. Their choices lead to their consequences, and I’m not about to backtrack for someone else’s convenience.
  7. Learning Boundaries: A crucial life skill is knowing when to say “no.” Sure, they can try broccolini, but pants are a must!
  8. Cooperation is Still Possible: I’m confident that my kids will grow up to be cooperative and respectful members of society, even without forced sharing.
  9. Fostering Kindness: By teaching kids that they can’t always get what they want immediately, we might cultivate a generation of more compassionate individuals—less likely to throw tantrums or leave nasty comments online.

In conclusion, these reasons illustrate that while sharing is often touted as a virtue, teaching our children about autonomy, boundaries, and patience can be just as valuable. If you’re interested in exploring more about parenting and home insemination, check out this post for valuable insights. For a deeper dive into the process of home insemination, Make a Mom offers expert guidance. Plus, if you’re curious about pregnancy resources, Women’s Health is a fantastic place to start.