The Seven Rules of the Toddler
I just unearthed this from a folder of early childhood resources from a class I took right after my son was born.
- If I like it, it is mine.
- If it is in my hands, it is mine.
- If I can take it from you, it is mine.
- If I had it a little while ago, it is mine.
- If it is mine, it must never appear to be yours in any way.
- If I am doing or building something, all of the pieces are mine.
- If it looks just like mine, it is mine.
I was an only child, therefore I never developed this need for hoarding. ALL the books and toys were mine! I could share with magnanimity when I so chose. So I find this behavior just at bit mystifying and quite a bit irritating.
3 comments:
Kiko's an only child and he seems to have fully internalised the "it is mine" mantra. I've noticed him hoarding food, and if I point to a picture in a book he's reading he will grab my hand and forcibly push it away. I was quite shocked when he first did this! I had visions of him becoming a nasty oil baron with a cigar clenched between his teeth. I do hope it doesn't last beyond toddlerhood.
Helen, that is a funny image, Kiko chewing on a big cigar! I think he'll be OK, it's just a phase of individuation (I think I said that on your blog once) that is necessary though annoying for parents.
Funny, when I was reading the rules I kept thinking, "this sounds like GWBush's philosophy of life."
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