Child 1 vs. Child 2
Setting the Scene : Legoland
Scenario : Standing in front of an exhibit with an extremely exciting push-the-button-and-a-crane-moves activity. A six-year old with a mohawk stands a little too close to our youngest (16 months) while he is pressing the precious button. The mohawk-child is clearly signalling — “Get out of here, I want to press that button”.
Likely Firstborn response: Abdication of coveted activity spot. Running away and crying to mother about the injustice. Leading to further crying about former abdication of coveted spot and missed opportunities
Second born response: Stormy glare at mohawk child. Not much response — clearly an insufficient reaction from the offender. One-handed toddler push to get some personal space. Still not a sufficient advantage gained. Toddler turns to 6-year old … steps forward and pushes mohawk with two hands — hard. Mohawk steps backwards 2 steps, clearly accepting toddler’s authority. Toddler returns to his button pushing.