What’s Yours is Mine

The girls are at the fun stage where they have the manual dexterity to grab toys, and the will to do what’s necessary to obtain the toys.  For example, when Becky sees Susie is in possession of an interesting object (such as a pacifier), it seems only logical to Becky to grab it out of Susie’s hands.  Fortunately, the now-empty-handed Susie is not upset by the theft.  If nothing more intriguing immediately presents itself, she just reaches over and takes the pacifier back.  And then Becky takes it again.  And Susie takes it back.  No matter who initiates the theft or the recovery, nobody appears overly concerned.  No one cries because a beloved object is abruptly removed.  No one pouts because her sister is playing with something she wants.  Each one simply accepts that play time with a toy could be interrupted at any moment. 

Oh, to have the wisdom of a child.  If only we could all learn that our possessions are temporary, and their loss is not worth the shedding of tears.  Although, I’m not certain that we should emulate the girls’ recovery methods.  It probably wouldn’t go over too well if we started grabbing things that we wanted out of other people’s hands.  But, then again, if others didn’t mind that the objects were taken, perhaps it would work out fine.  Just as long as we don’t follow the girls’ pattern of then sticking said objects in our mouths before handing them back.

(And no, Susie -on the right – hasn’t yet mastered independent sitting.  She’s leaning on my knee for support.  But she’s getting close!).