It must suck to be a kid and to be told to share all the time. Especially considering the way we force kids to share, does not accurately display how adults really act. It is not like you go over to your friend’s house, go through their closet, wear their favorite sweater, use their computer, get on their phone, and then brush your teeth with their toothbrush. Mostly people keep to their own things. But little kids are so up in each other’s shit that they constantly have to share their shit. Mainly because your bitch mom is embarrassed when you don’t, and she will make your ass do it!
I am not that into making The Munch share. But I do it anyway. Mostly because it is hard to see another kid upset because your kid won’t let them ride the Barbie motorcycle. That and I don’t want the mom to think I am the dick just because my kid is being one.
There are some schools of thinking that that you should never get involved. Just let the kids work it out so they know what it feels like to not have something, or not give someone something. That it is an important process for their understanding of justice to form. Philosophically I am down with that. But in practice its hard when your kid refuses to let little Timmy play with truck and all you do is say “It does suck doesn’t it Timmy? Well, so will the rest of life!”
Of course sharing is important on a Meta level. Sharing love, resources, energy time, are all a vital part of community. But I don’t think forcing kids to share their Play-Doh is the recipe to create an unselfish adult. If that were the case, we would be living in a very different world. I think sharing comes from empathy and instilling a sense of compassion.
But I make The Munch share so I can fit in with the other moms because I am not a crazy person! So she knows I am going to make her share shit when friends come over. Yet The Munch is no dope, and now she has a new strategy of how to deal.
Toni: So Munch, guess what is happening this afternoon?
Munch: What?
Toni: Amelia and her mommy are coming over for a play date!
Munch: Why?
Toni: So you and Amelia can play?
Munch: When are they going to get here?
Toni: I don’t know? Maybe ten minutes?
Munch: I will be right back.
Toni: Where are you going?
Munch: To hide my sparkles.
