Yesterday after breaking up yet another two year old squabble, my co-teacher Jennifer remarked "Isn't it funny that we're not born knowing how to share? We're social creatures after all."
At first I thought "great point", but the longer I thought about it I realized this isn't the case at all. When I first replied to Jennifer's comment I said, "Maybe we just haven't evolved quickly enough. I'm sure that in cavemen times it was survival of the fittest and every child for himself."
Jennifer replied "I suppose that's true."
After some more reflection I spoke up again. "Even as recently as several hundred years ago children were probably competing for food, so I suppose our species has a long way to go before evolution catches up to the cooperative societies we live in now."
As I watched little Janie (name changed to protect the innocent) happily play with the toy she had managed to hold on to, I decided to retract all my previous statements. "You know what? We still live in a society where people get to the top by being pushy and going after what they want. It's simply adults are generally more subtle about it than Janie and Susie over there. I'd really like more recognition and to make a bigger impact than I currently am, but sometimes it seems I'm just too nice."
Jennifer chimed in, "Why is it that we nice guys always finish last?."
"That's definitely how I'm feeling at the moment, " I said.
"Then I'm going to change that statement. Nice guys finish quietly."
In case you ever wonder what preschool teachers talk about in their few spare moments, now you know. I also have a new motto. Thank Jennifer.
