The Last Piece

As parents, we always want to give our children the best life has to offer. Just last night for dinner, we gave the chicken drumsticks to Theo, our 3 year old son, and the chicken breasts to Lian, our 2 year old daughter. These are their favorite parts. My husband – God bless his heart – always waits to see and finish what the rest of us don’t like to eat. But, what happens when the last piece of fruit is left? To which child do you give it to? This is a common dilemma in our home because our kids go crazy over fruit. And, of course both kids start yelling, “Mine!” at the same time. The beauty of the last piece is that it gives an opportunity for our kids to share. No matter how small the piece is we slice it into two and give one to each child. Once in a while we get a nice surprise when one of them says they want to give the whole last piece to the other.

The lesson of the last piece is also repeated when our children play. It’s a hard lesson to learn for children their age when they want what they want NOW and not later. The iPad is a hot commodity in our home. My friend, Gina, and I were talking about how great it is as a learning tool as well as a babysitter during those days when mom has just run out of creative juices. It gets terrible though when the kids start fighting over who gets to use it or what app to play. It’s so tempting to just get another one especially when like Gina you get deep discounts through her work. But, this is the time to remember the lesson of the last piece. It’s an opportunity for the children to share, to wait their turn, and to understand the consequences of not sharing. Gina and I confiscate the iPad when it’s not shared. There’s a lot of wailing and stomping of feet but in the end the kids learn to take turns and peace returns… at least, for a little while.

James Stenson mentions emphatically, how you raise your child will determine whether they become insatiable consumers or productive contributors to society. Sometimes giving the best to our children means not to give.

What opportunities can you create for your child/children so that they can practice sharing or taking turns?

Do they see you practice temperance as well?