Young kids often yell, "That's not fair!" Here is a question. What makes something fair? Let us look at how people split things and take turns.
Part of being fair is following the rules. Simple board games and card games help kids practice. They practice rules and taking turns.
Kids learn to share and take turns by playing with other kids. Taking turns is one way to share. Two kids can share a toy. Each one gets an equal turn. A timer can show when a turn is over.
Sharing takes time to learn. Toddlers under 3 are often reluctant to share. They do not yet understand what sharing means. Kids often get better at it around age seven or eight.
Kids know what is fair early on. Babies seem to notice unfair sharing. They look longer at unfair outcomes. Even young children understand what is fair. They often protest, "That's not fair!"
Knowing and doing are not the same. Young children know they should be fair. But they often still keep more for themselves. Studies in many places found something else too. Children dislike getting less than another child.
Who deserves a reward? Young children understand that someone who worked harder may deserve more reward.
"I cut, you choose" is an old, standard way for two people to split a cake. The one who cuts makes two pieces they think are equal. The other person picks the slice they like best. So neither person envies the other.
Sports have fair rules too. In soccer and in the NFL, the referee flips a coin before the game. The coin decides who gets the first choice.
Fair play is usually thought of as following the rules. Fair play includes respecting the referee.
Words to know
- reluctant: not wanting to
- referee: game official
- envies: jealous of
- reward: a prize
- rules: what to follow
