If you have young children, chances are you’ve had your fill of bickering and arguing over toys. Young kids always seem to turn everything into a fight. To you it is obvious that they will have much more fun by sharing, but explaining the benefits of sharing to children isn’t easy. Instead, you need to show them. You can use cool science experiments to help them get along.
First, take the oldest child aside and tell them you are going to do some cool science experiments. Tell them you are going to perform these cool science experiments on little brother or sister.
Now, hunt down some supplies. Dad’s white dress shirt will make a fine lab coat for your child to wear while performing their cool science experiments. You’ll also need a piece of paper, a pencil, and a few of the toddler’s favorite toys.
Tell your older child that you will be performing some cool science experiments to figure out the best method for getting little brother or sister to share toys. Then ask if they have any ideas. Write down a couple of their ideas on the note paper. Also write the following: 1) Take toys away, 2) Ask for the toys, and 3) Provide a more exciting toy.
At this point your child should be excited about the cool science experiments they are about to perform on little brother or sister. If you are questioning the ethics of performing these experiments on your toddler, just think of how much grief you will save them if big brother or sister stops taking their toys away.
Now your cool science experiments can begin. First, give your toddler one of his favorite toys. Now ask your little scientist to walk over and try taking the toy away.
When the crying and commotion begins, ask your little scientist to give the toy back so you can finish your cool science experiments. Now discuss the results of your first method. Ask your child how the toddler reacted when the toy was taken away. Write the results down.
Now give method number two a try. Ask your child to walk over to the toddler and ask him politely for a turn playing with the toy. After your toddler makes a decision, have your little scientist discuss the results with you and write them down.
For the third method, ask your child to try trading the toy for another object that the toddler likes even more. Chances are the little one will take the bait. Again, write down the results of the experiment.
Now, try repeating all three methods to see if you get consistent results.
Now tell your child that the cool science experiments are complete, and that you need to analyze the results. Ask which method was more effective for getting the youngest child to share. Your child will likely see the obvious truth; that it is easier to get the toddler to share by asking nicely or offering another toy. Trying to take the toy away always results in crying and fighting, and probably a time out from mom or dad.
In the few days following your cool science experiments, remind your older child of the results. You should see their behavior change and fighting over toys should decrease.
