Sharing 101

Whether you are a parent, guardian, teacher, babysitter, or other child care provider, you will probably be trying to teach a child about sharing at some point.  It is hard for small children to grasp the concept of sharing so when you witness a child sharing on his own be sure to offer generous praise.

While sharing is important for children to learn, they shouldn't be forced to share everything.  After all, even adults don't always want to share everything.  Suppose you just bought a brand new $80,000.00 car, you may be hesitant to share it with your neighbor.  Before a playdate in your home, allow your child or the one your caring for, to put away a couple of special things that he doesn't have to share.  Of course if he starts jamming every toy in the playroom into his closet then you need to explain what "a couple of things" means!

To assist children in learning to share try these tips:

• Make available activities that more than one child can do at a time, such as paper and crayons, puzzles, clay, or multi-player board games.
• Explain sharing by using examples of the child himself and his toys, a friend and her toys, how the situation is turned around when he plays at someone else's house, mention times friends shared things with him etc.  The concept will be more easily understood if you can illustrate it by using examples.
• Set a timer when two children are fighting over one toy.  Let each child have a few minutes with the toy and then they need to let the other child have a turn.
• Try having children trade toys that they are using so each shares a toy with the other and nobody is left empty handed.
• Model the behavior.  Point out when you are sharing something with your toddler.  For example "These are Mommy's crackers but mommy will share them with you."
• Finally, if all else fails, take the toy away until the children can agree to take turns or share.

Lisa McLellan

Child Care Expert