Sharing is something that every parent (of two or more) will look forward to. I am a mother of two little girls and I can say that when both the kids share and play it is bliss for me! They both play with each other and that gives me some extra time me. Read along, Sharing, How kids learn to share.
Let us go age-wise:
Sharing with kids at Age- 1-2:
The kid would be learning to be a little independent. As parents, we should let them take the initiative and encourage them while they try something on their own.
Introduce the concept of sharing to kids at this age. But don’t force them! Forcing makes them cranky. If you are going to a play date, have few extra toys packed in the diaper bag and once the kid starts playing with other kids, they would eventually give one toy and take the other.
Sharing with kids at Age: 2-2 ½
Shows interest in sharing (willingly) Even if you don’t talk about sharing.
Around this age, kids would understand the meaning of giving and take and they would observe how the other kid is feeling. If the other kid is crying, they would give their toy to them. When you see this coming, don’t miss an opportunity to talk to your kid about how the other is feeling about that particular toy. “I think she likes your doll; she wants to play with it for once. Why not share for 5 minutes and you again play for 5 minutes” The more we try to explain the more they would understand, others’ feelings.
Sharing with kids at Age: 3
Would take charge, and would indulge in cooperative play with cousins, siblings, or friends.
From around this age, we can expect the child to be positive about sharing (expect sometimes, where kids are cranky and don’t want to share. Come on, there are kids after all) They would understand the importance of sharing and would make the younger sibling explain when they don’t share.
The situation with my kids:
I usually give both the kids options of what they don’t want to share (kids have one or two special toys that they are not ready to share) I keep them away when it is playtime (or a play date with friends or cousins).
I usually tell the phrase, ‘It is your special toy and you don’t share it with anyone. If you take it down, you have to share! There is no other option) This way they would avoid taking that special toy down and this would not hurt either of them.
Positive sharing:
Keep in mind that children should be positive about the whole sharing with others concept. Then only they can enjoy playing taking turns. If there is a conflict going on about a particular toy, let them resolve it! Adults’ involvement is not needed in such cases. Although, one needs to be supervising them (there are kids, anyway)
This blog post is a part of BlogChattera2z challenge hosted by BlogChatter
If you wish to read my other a2z blog posts:
A: Appetite Ups and Downs for Toddlers.
B: Because, I don’t take any crap I am a Mean Mom and proud of it.
C: Cook new food and Tips to make your child eat.
D: Dear Mommy. A letter from a child.
E: Easy DIY face pack for moms, to the rescue.
F: Five favorite self-care things that I do.
G: Guide for new moms on multi-tasking.
H: Happy mom makes happy kids.
I: I am a better mom for two than one.
J: Just not me-time, we sometimes need help too.
L: Laziness and lack of motivation in kids?!
N: Note To Self. – Motherhood Edition.
O: Oh, God! I Need Help! – Motherhood Edition.
P: Parenting tip: Ways to handle Temper Tantrums in Toddlers
R : Reality of Work From Home Moms
Copyright Sadvika Kylash
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Kids who share are easy to handle when we’re visiting friends or relatives as well. It is lot easier to discipline them as it improves their social skills.
Kids find it so difficult to share if they are not made to from toddler age. You have put it down so well. My grandsons share but reluctantly.
Amazing tips! I like the way you handle things.
Quite a thoughtful piece Sadvika. Not only parents with 2 kids but with 1 kids also have to teach their kids sharing dear from early on.
The idea of letting the children choose the special toy they dont want to share is actually really good.. kids can be possessive and parents can at times in pleasing guests even give away their favourite toys without considering their opinion
Great tips what a beautiful list with examples
Deepika Sharma
Kids now a days staying inside alone at home, it’s tough to make them understand the lesson of sharing, I love the tips you shared.
Sharing is one of the important concept that kids should learn at since young age. I really like your tips and glad you had explained it with different age section.
Teaching kids about sharing is very important from a young age. I have suffered a lot as my elder one never use to share, and it took me a month to teach him. Sharing can be of anything story, idea or material things. The main mantra is – The more you give to others, the more life you can receive.
I really liked the idea of keeping one special toy away so that they can share all others without any confusion in mind. And yes, it’s very important to teach them the concept of sharing from a young age only.
Bang on tips to make kids learn about Sharing! One of the most essential aspects of personality development. Honestly, I have struggled with endless options to imbibe this trait with my kiddos. These tips would be very helpful for all the mothers out there, who are searching for the ways to make their kids learn this.
I didn’t know that sharing can be taught to children from such an early age! Great tips, thank you for sharing.
Disciplining kids during play time mostly leads with a tantrum inny case. So I make sure I explain them beforehand. Love how you handle the situation too
Sharing is one of the important concept for kids .Glad you had explained it with different age section.
Thanks for sharing this
kudos to you for handling it so well!