Fairness rules

I've frequently commented on how protective AJ is of his little sister. Turns out Sydney is looking out for her big brother's interests, as well. That cookie he's snarfing in the photo below - he has his sister to thank for it.

To encourage sharing, when I give Sydney a treat, I give her an extra and tell her to give one to AJ. I discovered recently just how important this routine is to Sydney.

AJ was happily drawing on his easel in another room when Sydney followed me into the kitchen. I needed to run downstairs for a minute, and so to distract her, I offered her a cookie. She happily accepted, but then stood there pointing at the cookie jar, repeatedly saying, "AJ. AJ." Thank goodness there was one more cookie left. I handed it to her and off she ran, calling for her big brother, happy to share the wealth.