When you have twins the importance of learning to share is high. Because each one tends to want what the other one has, we have had to do a lot of teaching about sharing. And because we are teaching the kids sign language we have even used the sign for it to reinforce it whenever we say “share.”

Until recently, Swee’Pea was notorious for taking things from TheMonk. In fact, I would venture that teaching them to share has been a direct result from Swee’Pea taking everything from TheMonk. This has begun to change, however, as Swee’Pea has begun to like the praise she gets when she gives something she has to TheMonk. We cheer like crazy and she gets a big grin on her little face, clearly pleased with the result of “sharing.”

The downside to this, is that TheMonk now thinks that “share” means he gets whatever Swee’Pea has. Yesterday, for example, he tried to take something from Swee’Pea while chasing her around the room using the “share” sign. He had not used this sign before, so it was really cool to see him communicating with his sister. Unfortunately, Swee’Pea wasn’t so sure she was ready to cooperate.

Later that same day, Swee’Pea showed that she too has the ability to communicate the word “share.” TheMonk had a toy that she wanted and she was certain that if she used the sign, she would get the toy. As a result, she chased him around the room, signing “share” while crying in frustration.

Luckily, we have been able to broker most disagreements about sharing. My next job will be a negotiator with the United Nations. I’m certain my recent experience will absolutely qualify me for dealing with the North Koreans or the Iranians. It’s all about sharing.