Via Mile High Mamas: Sharing Is Caring: How to Teach Kids to Share

The tug of war, the kicking, the shoving, we’ve all the seen the perils of children fighting over a toy. Sharing is HARD, especially for little ones who don’t have a full understanding of the concept.

The good news is, we can teach toddlers them to share! Start early and play with them often to help them learn. Here are some tips and games from Bright by Text that can help:

  • Starting at just over 1 year your child can start to learn what it means to take turns. Here are some ideas for fun activities that encourage taking turns:
    • Sit with your child and and roll a ball back and forth to encourage playing nice with others.
    • Gather several big blocks and sit on the floor with your child. Begin by stacking one or two blocks. Next, give a block to your child and tell him to put it on the tower. When she does this, say, “It’s my turn,” and put another block on the tower. Next, tell her, “It is your turn.” Continue trading turns as you build the tower higher and higher.
    • First, you will need a board at a slanted angle that is wide enough for cars to go down. Start out by rolling the cars down the board, then give your child a car and let her try. Repeat, putting the cars on backwards and sideways. Let her catch cars at the end of the ramp and bring them around to do it again!
    • First, get two play phones and sit with your child on the floor. Make a ringing noise and answer your phone. Say, “Hello. Is (child’s name) there?” Then hand the phone to her, saying, “(Child’s name), it’s for you.” Pick up the other phone and begin talking to her. Let her talk, then repeat what she says back to her. For instance, you can say, “Oh, you were playing with your doll.” Ask her lots of questions, listen, and show her that you understand her answers. After a while, say goodbye to her and hang up the phone.
  • As your child gets closer to 2, he can start to understand more about sharing. Practice sharing with your child. Have him give you a toy and then you give it back. Or give him 2 of something to snack on and ask him to give you one. Be sure to give positive feedback when he shares!
  • Playdates and group activities also help toddlers learn to share, interact with others, and make friends.