It is usual for your toddler to have difficulty grasping the concept of sharing with others. Around the age of three, most children understand the idea of sharing. However, it will be a little while further before they are prepared to carry it out. You can inspire your child to contribute by being a positive role model and teaching them how to find solutions to problems.
Even though your child is beginning to acquire empathy and is aware that they must take turns, they are not yet mature enough to control all of their impulses. This is even though they know that they need to take turns.
Most children between the ages of three and four are focused on meeting their own requirements first. Also, they become agitated when their priorities are interrupted by others. It’s possible that your child doesn’t have the cognitive capacity to realize that even though they don’t have a toy right now, they will get one soon.
Sharing isn’t only about things
Sharing isn’t just about giving away your stuff. It isn’t just about those blocks or dolls you like. Sharing is about taking turns and giving each other time.
Young kids are just starting to learn how to share, wait until Papa finishes the meals, read a book, or help friends feel better when they are sad. Sharing of any kind is something that adults should show by examples and by encouraging them.
So, whether you’re waiting in line at the supermarket or making soup for a sick neighbor, you can naturally instruct your child about wanting to share.
Show how to behave
When it comes to sharing, your child looks up to you the most. Let them see how you exchange, work with others, and share daily. Instead of teaching your child competitive games where the goal is to win, teach them cooperative games where they have to work with others.
You could try putting together a jigsaw puzzle by taking turns adding pieces. You might also blow up like a balloon and play tennis with it.
Also, you can work on projects together, like –
- Watering the plants
- Picking up the toys
- Unpacking the groceries.
As much as possible, try to show and explain how to share and take turns in the family.
Do not discipline your child
It may be humiliating and unpleasant if your kid throws a temper tantrum and refuses to share their toy car with a friend. Alternatively, your youngster may decline to share the toy truck. Remember that just because your child does not want to share something with others does not mean that they are being selfish.
It may take some time for the child to be willing to share something they enjoy. Also, you shouldn’t penalize them in the hopes that it would simplify this process. Your child may equate sharing with dire consequences if you penalize or label them for doing so, which may discourage them from doing so in the future.
Recognize the times when it is appropriate not to share something
There will be things that your preschooler simply isn’t mature enough to part with just yet. That’s not a problem at all. If you compel him to offer something he is unwilling to give up, you risk turning him into a resentful person rather than a kind one.
Before starting a playdate, you should walk through the house with your child and ask him to select any toys or games that he would prefer not to share with another child.
Put things in a safe and secure location. After that, look through everything and choose items perfect for passing around, like painting tools, puzzles, and board games.
Let’s talk about giving
Before your child goes to school date, discuss the importance of sharing with them. Tell children it’s OK to play with a mate’s toys when you visit them; the same is true when you see them. You may believe it is apparent, but your youngster will not.
If your child and a buddy are arguing over an item, try to intervene before things escalate and reassure them that they’ll each have a turn. If one of the children is having a full-fledged tantrum, attempt to get the child away from the area until events quiet down.
When both children are willing to listen, speak to them in a compassionate and considerate manner about what is happening.
Conclusion
Young children tend to put their own needs before those of others. Getting them to see that letting a sibling or buddy borrow a treasured possession isn’t the end of the world can be challenging. No matter how complex the task is, it is still doable. There are several ways you can help one child get used to sharing. We’ve talked about the best ones with you here.