Rosa Learns To Be Fair
Fairness is a concept that children can grasp early—especially if it’s
related to them! How many times do parents hear that they are not being
fair?
Two and three year olds
Two and three year olds tend to be clear about
times when things happen to them that are not “fair.” However, they find
it much harder to understand the importance of being fair to others.
What you can do
Encourage your two and three year olds to behave
in ways that are fair, including sharing and taking turns. You should
praise your young child when he or she does something that is fair, but
recognize that at this age the concept of fairness is beyond them.
Four and five year olds
As four and five year olds develop and increase
their social skills, they will begin to recognize that they need to be
fair to others, just as they want to be treated fairly.
What you can do
At this age, children need coaching from important
adults in their lives about how to be fair. Problem-solve situations,
such as sharing toys, taking turns and being kind to others. You can
also discuss issues of fairness that come up in stories and do role playing.
Six and seven year olds
Six and seven year olds will have an acute sense
of fairness, especially when it comes to behavior that relates to them.
What you can do
Just as when they were younger, develop in your
children a sense of fairness by promoting kindness, taking turns and
sharing. Encourage children to speak up for themselves if they feel that
they are dealt with unfairly by friends. Model for children ways to express
themselves with their peers: “John, I think it’s not fair when you go
first all the time. I would like a turn now, please.” At this age, children
are able to begin developing a sense of justice for others as well for
themselves. |
