Teaching Young Children to Share: What Parents Need To Know
June 25, 2007
If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to our RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!
We all want our little ones to be well-mannered and well-behaved around other children. The first time that they snatch a toy away from another child, most parents are horrified and embarrassed. Don’t let their actions alarm you. Sharing is a process that must be learned.
Young children are learning many things in a short period of time. From infancy, their brains are buzzing and processing new information. They try to raise their heads, move their arms and legs, and roll over. As the months go by, they try to sit and then stand. Pretty soon they are taking their first steps.
In the long line of learned behaviors, sharing is not a top priority for your child. When they snatch that toy or refuse to let others play with it, they may not be ready to part with their possessions just yet. Give them time.
Scolding a child for not sharing at this age is unwise. Children need security in their lives. When they took their first steps, they had to be sure that you would catch them before they let go of the table. This is the same with their toys. They have to realize ownership before they will be willing to share.
Ownership says that these toys belong to your child. Instruct children to put away their toys at night. This action teaches them to recognize what belongs to them.
At such a young age, you are the most accessible role models in their lives. As you share with others, actually use the word “share” to describe your actions. Practice sharing with your child. Ask them to share a cookie or a piece of fruit with you. Start by taking a bite and returning the item to the child.
Little by little, try bigger things. Ask them for an object that you do not immediately give back. They will probably watch you play or follow you wherever you go. When they start to cry or get agitated, give the object back and thank them for sharing.
Gradually move up to toys. You will find that your child may share some toys more readily than others. When other children come over, allow them to play with the toys that are not your child’s favorite ones. Ask your child if they will share their toys with another. If they give a toy to the other child, clap and praise their actions.
All kids don’t learn to share as easily as others. Start working with your child before school age to prepare them for interaction with other children. Enlist the help of other children in the family so that they can teach each other how to get along.
To learn more, check out the Mom’s Talk Guide to Raising Happy & Healthy Kids - Tips and resources address nutrition, exercise, sleep, routines, and much more.
Posted by admin | Filed Under Parenting
Similar Posts
- Teaching Your Child about Tolerance and Diversity
- Learning to Recognize Colors is a Joy for All
- What Are You Planning to Achieve by The End of The Year?