Young Kids are Aware of the Goodness of Sharing but are More Self Concerned

Kids as young as three years old acknowledge the importance of sharing but they aren't yet ready to implement it practically, finds a study published in the journal PLOS ONE.

Craig Smith, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor is his research has explored the psychological development of altruism in kids.

The study involved 102 children aged between 3 and 8 years. The children were initially questioned about their thought on sharing and their reaction when a situation arises where they need to share their things with others.

Children of all ages knew the importance of sharing and they had replied that they would share their things when needed. But, the self concerned talks of younger kids had indicated that they would not act as replied.

Later, each child was given four stickers and asked to share it with other children. Older children were more willing and acted fair, while more than half of the younger ones did not share.

The authors note that this behavior changes with age. However, the difference in beliefs and action in young children remains unanswered.

Source: Medindia