Why Sharing is a Big Deal for Young Children
Sharing is a foundational social skill, but it’s also one of the most challenging for young children to master. For kids between the ages of 2.5 to 6, their understanding of ownership and empathy is still developing. While the concept of sharing may seem simple to adults, for children, it requires maturity, patience, and a sense of fairness.
Teaching your child to share is an essential part of preparing them for group settings like preschool, playdates, and eventually, school. It not only fosters cooperation but also helps them develop empathy and build meaningful relationships.
Why is Sharing So Difficult?
Children are naturally protective of their belongings because they’re just beginning to understand the idea of “mine” and “yours.” At this age:
- They see their toys as extensions of themselves.
- They are still developing impulse control, which makes waiting for their turn challenging.
- They may not fully grasp how their actions affect others emotionally.
Practical Tips for Teaching Your Child to Share
While it takes time and patience, you can help your child learn to share with these effective strategies:
- Lead by Example
- Children learn by observing. Demonstrate sharing in your daily life, such as offering them part of your snack or letting them borrow your pen.
- Use language like, “Here, let’s share this apple,” to normalize the concept.
- Use Praise and Positive Reinforcement
- When your child shares, praise them with specific feedback: “I love how you let your friend use your crayons. That was so kind!”
- Reinforcing good behavior helps them associate sharing with positive feelings.
- Introduce Turn-Taking Games
- Activities that involve turn-taking, like rolling a ball back and forth or simple board games, can help children practice waiting and sharing in a fun way.
- Prep Your Child Before Playdates
- Before a playdate, talk to your child about sharing toys. You can say, “Your friend might want to play with some of your toys today. Let’s choose which ones you’re comfortable sharing.”
- Use Role-Playing
- Act out scenarios where sharing is required, such as “pretend cooking” where one person needs the bowl and another needs the spoon. This helps them practice sharing in a low-pressure environment.
- Teach Empathy
- Help your child understand how sharing can make others feel. For example, say, “Your friend is sad because they want to play with the truck. How would you feel if it were the other way around?”
- Set Clear Boundaries
- If your child struggles to share, set boundaries gently but firmly. For instance, say, “We need to share the markers so everyone can color.”
How Preschool Supports Sharing Skills
Preschool is an ideal environment for reinforcing sharing behavior. In group settings, children naturally encounter situations that require taking turns and sharing resources. Teachers often facilitate activities that promote cooperation, such as group art projects or playing with shared toys.
When to Seek Help
If your child consistently struggles with sharing or exhibits aggressive behavior when asked to share, it may be worth consulting your pediatrician or an early childhood specialist. Persistent difficulties could signal underlying social or emotional challenges that need support.
Resources for Parents
- Zero to Three: Expert advice on early childhood development.
- PBS Parents: Tips and activities for teaching life skills.
- Child Mind Institute: Guidance on social and emotional development.
