Sharing isn’t a quality that most children are born with. It is something that must be taught. As a parent it is your responsibility to ensure that your child understands the concept of sharing.  If you are having trouble getting your child share with his friends, the following information will be helpful for you.  Use the 15 ways listed below to teach your child how to share.

• Realize that it can take some time to teach him the concept. You will have to have patience with your child when teaching him how to share. It is usually not a concept that is learned overnight.
• If your child is old enough to understand, explain the importance of sharing. Once children reach the age of 3 or 4 they can understand the concept of sharing.  Spend some time explaining to your young child the reason why he must share.  Do this often to ensure that he fully understands the concept.
• The younger you start, the better off you will be. Don’t expect a 5 year old to suddenly start sharing.  If they have been able to get away with not sharing their entire life, it will be even more difficult to teach. Start as young as you possibly can in teaching your child to share.
• Read books to him on the topic. There are many children’s books that are related to the topic of sharing.  Go to the library and find a few that your child will enjoy.
• Model the behavior. If you want your child to share, you must model the behavior.  Let him or her see you sharing, too!
• Set up play dates. The more your child is around other children, the more practice he will have in sharing. Set up play dates so that your child can have the opportunity to practice what he is being taught.
• Make it a rule in your household. Sharing should be a household rule for everyone regardless of how old they are.
• Play games that involve sharing. Make up a game that has sharing as the main focus.  Children love to play games and this a great avenue for getting them to share.
• Require all siblings in the household to share. It is especially important that you have the same sharing rules for ALL children in the household. Don’t let younger or older siblings get away with not sharing and expect him to share.
• Set up a “sharing” experience and monitor it.  Invite a friend over and allow him to bring some toys. A sharing experience is a great way for you to monitor his progress and also promote sharing.
• Intervene when your child isn’t sharing on the playground. Make an effort to intervene each time your child isn’t sharing.  This is especially important if he is just learning the concept.
• Give consequences for times when he doesn’t want to share. What will his consequences be if he refuses to share with his friends? Give consequences such as a few minutes in time out or leaving the playgroup.  If he doesn’t share, there must be consequences.
• Allow him to play more. Playing promotes social activity in children. Sharing is a social activity that must be learned.  Allow him to play more to get the social experience that he needs to understand the concept of sharing.
• Praise your child when he shares. If your child beings to learn the concept, be sure to give him praise when he shares.  He will be so proud to know that he has pleased you and will be anxious to share again.
• Don’t give up. Teaching your child how to share is sure to be a difficult task. However, it is not impossible!  Children need guidance and direction. Sharing is a part of this.  Don’t give up on your attempt to teach your child how to share.

Teaching your child how to share is the beginning of teaching him the values of life.  Use the tips above to help your child learn how to share with others. What tactics will you use to teach your child how to share?

Marina has written this article for 1001Shops – an online retail group that is offering a large range of home décor and specialty products like pendulum wall clock, Matrysohka dolls for kids, vanity mirrors and lot more

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Karla Urwitz

As a full-time career oriented mother of one, I love all things travel. I was in the hospitality business for 15 years and loved it. So why not become a travel agent. I have been a travel agent since 2019 and enjoy helping others make memories. Now I am finding a balance between work, travel, and life.

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