is it just my five year old that is totally self centered/selfish?

[fattybum]

ds1 is 5.6. He is okay at sharing toys, but when it comes to food, no way! If I bring him a treat after school eg cookie, croissant and a friend asks for a piece, he just won't share. I wouldn't mind, but when it's the other way round the other child will always share. I just can't seem to get it through to him that he can't expect others to share food if he won't. I just makes me furious. Also, they sometimes share there match attax cards at school. Again, others share with him, but he will never share back. Other than getting really annoyed with him, what can I do to make him more giving?

He is also very self centered. When it was ds2's birthday, he was upset that ds2 was getting presents and he wasn't. Should he be able to handle this stuff better by now. ds 2 on the other hand is very generous with everything and is only 3!

I've explained to him that if his friends realise he doesn't share with them, they may not want to be his friend.

Thanks

I don't think it's unusual still to find sharing a challenge at this age. I agree though that he can't be allowed to spoil birthdays by moaning about it.

I wonder if he might enjoy making dinner for you all (nothing huge! maybe beans on toast) and serving it out to you at the table? The control of how the sharing is done may help him to see the positives of being generous, maybe.

Thanks, that's a good idea. I might get him to help me choose a present for his Granny just so that he realises sometimes it's about giving as well as receiving. This parenting lark, eh, there's always something new to deal with!

bump!