The Decibel
The case for teaching your child it’s okay not to share
Apr 8, 2025
Amberly McAteer, a contributing parenting columnist for The Globe and Mail, shares her insights on teaching children about sharing and personal boundaries. She emphasizes the importance of allowing kids to say 'no' and stand up for themselves, fostering empowerment and self-assurance. The conversation explores the balance between generosity and ownership, the complexities of sharing in childhood, and the emotional challenges parents face amid societal expectations. McAteer advocates for gentle parenting principles that validate children's feelings while encouraging healthier social interactions.
21:34
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Quick takeaways
- Encouraging children to assert their ownership and say no to sharing helps foster their confidence and self-assurance.
- Teaching children to respect boundaries is essential, as it balances the development of empathy and personal agency.
Deep dives
Redefining Sharing
The conversation challenges the conventional notion of sharing among children, suggesting that it might be more beneficial to respect a child's right to claim ownership over their belongings. In particular, the distinction is made between sharing tangible items like toys or books versus operational sharing, where children interact in community spaces. The host reflects on how asking children to share can inadvertently instill feelings of obligation rather than genuine generosity. This shift in perspective encourages parents to allow children to assert their boundaries, which ultimately cultivates confidence and respect for personal rights.
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