by Emily Watson
If there is one word that is most common to most
toddlers it is this: "Mine!" In a toddler's little
world, the world is all about them. With this in mind,
it becomes pretty clear and easy to understand why
sharing with others does not come naturally to them.
As parents, it is important that we mold our
children to
learn to share with others. If they don't, they are
entering a world that will be quite difficult! We
certainly don't want to raise selfish adults, so it is
imperative that us parents teach our toddlers how to
share with others in order for them to be productive and
giving members of our society.
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When teaching your
child
to share, it is important to first realize that
it is not productive to force your toddler to
share. Instead, work to create an environment of
sharing in order to encourage sharing. It is
important to realize that to toddlers, a toy is
so much more than a toy; it is a valued
possession that must be protected. While
teaching sharing, respect the normal level of
possessiveness while encouraging the attitude of
sharing with another. |
Below are
a few examples of tips to utilize when helping your
toddler to learn to share. They are just a few of many
options that may work for your
child.
Teaching Sharing Tip #1: Model Generosity and "Sharing"
It is true what they say that
children learn
what they see, not from what you say. Model generosity
and sharing in your own life and comment to your child
on how nice it is.
Teaching Sharing Tip #2: Stay Involved
Toddlers who feel connected to their parents have an
easier time sharing their toys since their security is
wrapped up within their parent. A
child who
feels secure inside is more apt to share their most
prized possessions with others since their value is
found outside of a material toy.
Teaching
Sharing Tip #3: Make It a Game!
Practice sharing with your young
child by
setting up situations where they can share. Give them
some cookies and ask them to share with everyone in the
room or come up with another scenario you can develop
that can help your child learn the value of sharing.
Teaching Sharing Tip #4: Avoid Stepping In Immediately
While it's easy to step in and make sure our toddler
shares while playing with another, it is important to
consider the necessity of allowing the toddlers to first
work out the situation themselves. See if they're able
to work it out and if not, step in and explain how to
share.
More
Information...
Teaching Sharing Tip #5: Try a Timer
If your child
is having a difficult time learning to share, try using
a timer. Set a timer and say, "You can play with the
toys for 5 minutes. When 5 minutes is up the timer will
ring and then it's Johnny's turn". This helps the
child not only
learn how to share, but learn valuable lessons such as
taking turns and delayed gratification.
About the Author
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