AT TWO YEARS YOUR CHILD HAS A VERY PERSONAL SENSE OF PROPERTY AND IS MORE WILLING TO RECEIVE THAN TO GIVE. IF SOMETHING IS TAKEN AWAY, IT WILL SHOW DISCOMFORT WITH A SCANDALOUS BERRY. FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO KNOW WHAT TO DO
Maybe the phrase “it’s mine, mine and mine” sounds familiar to you. Since a child distinguishes what makes up the world around him, he realizes that his territory is not very wide: his body, clothes and toys are all he has and that is why he defends them tooth and nail. A child treasures his belongings to claim that they are his and only his. Your son plays quietly with a ball and does not even remember that he left a truck aside, but when he discovers that another child intends to use it, it is essential! At this age, play friends are fleeting relationships (in the park, usually), you cannot pretend that they show any empathy for others or want to give a gift or loan to a child who has only seen a couple of minutes or a cousin who only sees the weekends. On many occasions, this desire to possess something is due to a true attack of jealousy. Sharing or lending are notions that you still do not understand and easily confuse with loss. The things he owns are his identity.
WHAT TO DO?
Teach him how to take care of his belongings: it is important because his attachment to certain objects reflects his development. Thanks to its treasures, the little one feels that he has something that helps him to be someone. As time goes by, you will learn the pleasure of sharing.
HELP YOUR CHILD TO:
• Understand that some things do not belong to anyone or belong to everyone (like games in the park) and that we must respect and care for the common good.
• That the belongings of others can be lent if you ask for them properly, but you also have to learn to accept “no” for an answer.
• See that what is yours and no one else’s (a favorite toy or a special book) can be lent whenever and to whomever you want or you have the right not to lend.
• Share, but respecting your belongings and your desire to reserve some things exclusively.