Why sharing is important
Children need to learn to share so they can make and keep friends, play cooperatively, take turns, negotiate and cope with disappointment. Sharing teaches children about compromise and fairness. They learn that if we give a little to others, we can get some of what we want too.
Sharing is a key part of getting along with others, so it becomes more and more important when your child starts having playdates and going to child care, preschool or kindergarten.
Helping children learn about sharing
Children learn a lot from just watching what their parents do. When you model good sharing and turn-taking in your family, it gives your child a great example to follow.
Make Sharing Fun:
Sharing can be an enjoyable activity especially when paired with a super fun toy or task. We would strongly suggest not using a new or favorite toy for an introduction to sharing; however, items that are frequently enjoyed during play time are ideal. For instance, have kids practice taking turns stacking colorful blocks to build a tower or racing cars down a ramp. While not necessarily physically sharing one item, they are sharing the same time and space and learning that playing with a friend is so much more fun than playing alone!
Use a Timer:
Sometimes it is just plain hard to give up a favorite toy! Visual timers are a great option to provide kids with a definitive end to their time to play even if they can’t tell time! It is also useful for the child who is waiting to know when they will get that cherished opportunity back!
Don’t Force The Issue:
Sharing is a tough skill to learn and if a situation is already heated (maybe a preferred toy is sought after by more than one child or a child is particularly possessive of that one blue car), it is not the time to teach. Try again when attention moves to a toy or activity that is new or that no one is particularly coveting.
Point Out the Positive:
Use descriptive language and strong emotion when sharing is displayed. “I like how you let Zoe play with your toy!” “Look how happy that made
Max when you gave him a turn!” Pointing out the positive emotions that sharing evokes is relatable to even the youngest kids! Everyone can appreciate a smile!
Help develop a sense of empathy:
Begin introducing the concept of noticing how other people feel as early as you can. Kids learn valuable lessons by discussing how their actions impact others. For example, instead of simply asking your child to “say you’re sorry,” ask, “How do you think your friend is feeling? What could you do to help?”
Model Sharing:
Kids learn best by watching others! Show kids how you can kindly ask for a turn during their play activity and then how you can wait patiently for that turn.
Do you need some suggestions for toys and games that help kids learn to take turns and play with peers? We have you covered with our top 10 sharing toys below.
Each Child Develops at Their Own Pace:
Don’t worry if your child isn’t sharing when you think she should be. Sharing—like many other skills—is learned as children’s social, emotional and cognitive development increases.
Sharing Toys for Kids
Melissa and Doug Shape Sorter || This ever-popular shape and color activity is sure to engage children. Each shape is designed to fit through a matching hole on the wooden cube and kids can take turns or each take a specific shape to place in the box.
Greedy Oliver || A book about sharing, feelings and empathy! A great read for the child that needs a bit of a social story to help with this skill building.
Leap Frog Picnic Basket || This toy has15 brightly colored play pieces including plates, forks, cups, food and a tablecloth, perfect for a pretend picnic for two (or more)!
Gizmo Busy Board || We love this toy for helping kids learn through play. Zippers, shoelaces, buttons, belt buckles, alphabet, clock learning and finger counting are all designed for basic skills learning and provide ample opportunities for turn-taking and sharing.
Puzzles || Kids can take turns placing pieces to complete the final product and elicit a huge response from you! Give each child a certain number of pieces if choosing their own from a big pile is just too hard right now.
Marble Run || Cause and effect toys are awesome for turn-taking, self-regulation and sharing! This one is great for all ages!
Wooden Car Ramp || Wait for your turn and see how fast your car can go down this ramp! Also, be sure to share your favorite color with a friend! Plenty of opportunity for practice with this toy!
Balance Beam || There is only one way to cross this cute, wooden beam so you have to take turns! Waiting can be hard but the reward is worth it!
Playdough Tools || You would be surprised how often we encourage sharing during our playdough activities at the Treehouse. It seems as everyone wants that pair of scissors at exactly the same time. Good news is that there are plenty of options to try while you wait for your turn!
Stomp Rocket || This toy is perfect for that 3, 2, 1 blast-off countdown and kids LOVE to chase the rocket after it is launched. When they retrieve it, they can pass it to a friend so that they can have their turn!