Do you remember the old saying that “Sharing is Caring.”? You may not be as old as I am but that phrase still has the same meaning and is still relevent today. Perhaps we can use this little ditty to explain why sharing is so important. Here are a few tips and ideas that may help teach your child to share.
As parents our kids watch our every move. Children learn by example, and part of good parenting is to set a good example for our kids. If your child notices that you share with others, it may induce your toddler to do the same. However, lets realize too that kids will be kids, and as such they tend to guard what is theirs with a passion. To this end, perhaps you can utilize these tips:
- If your toddler doesn’t want to share, explain why it’s important to share.
- Thank your toddler for sharing his toys with others.
- Take the toys in question away; if your toddler doesn’t want to share – then no one will play with the toys.
- Never yell at the toddler, but be firm in your reprimands.
- Tell your toddler that not sharing may mean his friends will not want to share with him either.
- If other toddlers are invited over, ask your toddler to pick out some toys to put away. But also remind him the toys left out can be shared with everyone.
- Teach by example; show your child how you are willing to share something you own.
- Teach your toddler to think of others.
- If your toddler screams and carries on; give the toddler a time out.
If all else fails remember this is probably a stage your toddler will outgrow. However, it is important to instill in your child that sharing and giving is important. Try not to give in to everything your toddler wants or buy your toddler a present every time you give another child or their sibling a present. Your toddler is little but also needs to understand the importance of sharing.
How can I teach my toddler to share?
Table of Contents
Start with your own example — as the article reminds us, kids watch our every move, so let your toddler see you sharing with others. From there, keep it simple and warm: explain why sharing is important, thank your toddler whenever they do share, and gently remind them that friends may not want to share back if they don’t share too.
What should I do when my toddler refuses to share?
Stay firm but never yell. The article suggests you can take the toy away so no one plays with it, or give a time out if your toddler is screaming and carrying on. When friends are coming over, let your toddler pick out a few special toys to put away first, and remind them that whatever is left out can be shared with everyone.
Is it normal for toddlers to not want to share?
Completely normal. Kids will be kids, and they tend to guard what’s theirs with a passion. The article reassures parents that this is probably just a stage your toddler will outgrow — so keep gently instilling the idea that sharing and giving matter, and trust that it sinks in over time.
Should I buy my toddler a gift every time another child gets one?
The article advises against it. Try not to give in to everything your toddler wants, or buy a present every time you give another child or a sibling something. Your toddler is little, but part of learning to share is also learning that they don’t need to receive something every single time someone else does.
1 Comment