The Definition of Sharing

It never ceases to amaze me how my intelligent, verbally gifted child can outsmart me. This afternoon I was in my bedroom folding laundry when I heard an all-out shriek from both Po and Cam at the same time. As I dropped everything and bolted into the family room, I pictured blood and bruises. Instead, I found two toddlers and one mailbox toy. And, of course, there are no other toys in the house.

In between sobs, Po was able to get out that he was playing with the mailbox and "SHE just TOOK it!" By that time, Cam had calmed and was happily playing with the mailbox. I picked the mailbox up and told them both (over the screams) that I would be holding it until we got to the bottom of it. Since Cam could only say "MINE!" upon interrogation and Po was too emotional to think straight, I requested they share the toy.

Through his large panicked mouth, Po cited his alternate definition of sharing. "THAT WON'T WORK, MOMMY! WE CAN'T SPLIT IT IN HALF. IT'S MADE OF PLASTIC!"

The mailbox is now mine. MINE!