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Parenting is one of the most rewarding experiences a person can have, but it’s also one of the most challenging. As kids develop and grow, it’s part of your responsibility to steer them on the right path. This includes teaching them the importance of social skills such as sharing. Here is what early child development experts say you can do to help your little one learn to share.

How to Encourage Your Child to Share 

1. Set Realistic Expectations

Until they’re about 3 years old, kids play alongside their peers, but not with them. This behavior is referred to as parallel play. Before 18 months, don’t expect them to fully engage with other kids. Furthermore, it’s difficult for young kids to understand abstract concepts such as sharing. Implement interactive methods, like setting a timer to designate when their time with a toy is done. Keep early child developmental stages in mind when setting expectations of their behavior.

2. Model Behavior

early child developmentIn addition to playing, kids learn a lot through observation. Model sharing behavior whenever possible. For instance, at mealtime, share a treat with your child and point out that they get part of it while you get another part. Also, demonstrate healthy ways of expressing emotions, including negative ones, and calming down, rather than acting out when they’re upset. 

3. Make It Fun

Games can be an effective, fun way to teach valuable lessons such as sharing. Early child development professionals suggest engaging kids in activities such as role-playing, where they are rewarded for sharing their belongings. You can also show the importance of collaboration through puzzles or projects using shared supplies.

4. Know When to Intervene

When your child reacts adversely because they don’t want to share, let them try to resolve the dispute themselves with their peers first. It can be tough to watch them struggle, but learning conflict resolution is an integral part of their development. If the situation turns sour, intervene by explaining to them why sharing is necessary and a positive trait.

 

 

If you’re a Hartford County, CT, parent, turn to Plainville Early Learning Center. Since opening in 1970, they’ve been one of the community’s foremost early childhood education and care centers, providing a range of programs to encourage healthy early child development and prepare kids for school and beyond. Call (860) 747-3321 to schedule a walk-through or visit the website to learn more about their education services. 

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