Sharing is caring! That’s one of the very first lessons that we learn as a kid. However, it is the responsibility of the parents to ensure that their children learn this lesson early in their lives.
It is a normal activity for children, especially those under the age of 3, to understand and accept the concept of sharing. They may be ok with playing alongside other kids, but not necessarily with them.
All they can think of is having possession of their toys and other things they admire, and may not really pay heed to what the other child wants or feels. And, this is exactly where proper guidance and teaching can make a huge difference.
As children begin to play with each other and cooperate in their play, they begin to see the value of sharing.
In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the best ways to teach your child the concept of sharing and why it is a good habit to follow.
Turn the process into a fun activity
One of the very first and impactful ways to teach your child the concept of sharing is by making it a fun activity for them. You can provide interactive board games that would require the child to play in a team instead of playing against another opponent.
Check out some of the best in class early learning interactive board games for children offered by ELIB.
Don't punish your child for not sharing
The worst thing you can do to your child during the process of teaching them sharing is by scolding them or making them feel punished.
It’s a much-known factor that a child may feel ashamed, or even embarrassed when put into a situation of punishment in front of other children. And, this may push them to become defensive, which can make it much more difficult for them to learn new skills.
Always communicate
Whenever there is a situation where you see your child throwing tantrums when loses his/her turn or may have to share a toy with other kids, it’s always a good practice to talk to them.
Try and explain the child by putting them in another’s shoes that how they’d feel if someone took their toy, or didn’t let them have a turn. Talking to your child about other people’s feelings will also help your child understanding things from someone else’s point of view; create a sense of empathy!
Alternatively, if the child is continually reluctant to share a particular toy, ask him why. It may just be the situation as discussed in the previous point about not sharing a particular prized possession; such as football cards gifted by the Grandfather, etc.
Put a time-tracker
One of the most effective ways to teach your child that sharing is by using a timer. Whenever there occurs a situation where there’s a squabble between your kid and another one about who’s going to play with a particular toy, it can be very helpful to set a fixed time duration for each to have it.
When the timer goes off, the toy goes to the second child for the same amount of time.
You may have to be a little smart with who’s going to have it in the first cycle by making even that process a game.
Following this as a regular process can show some really effective results in the long run, with the child handing over the toy on their own knowing they’re going to get it back eventually
Reassure your child that sharing isn't the same as giving away and pointing out that if he/she share their toys with friends, they'll be more inclined to share theirs with him/her
Lead with example
A child learns to do and react to things the way he/she sees the people, especially parents, doing it. So, in order to induce the sense of sharing and teaching your child that sharing is good, you need to do the same in front of them and set an example.
In fact, it is not necessary that you share something with someone else in front of your child. You can share things with your kid directly and use the word “share” to describe what you're doing. For example, you can share chocolate or ice cream with them to let them know how this activity makes others feel good.
To conclude…
It is important for a child to learn the concept of sharing at an early age itself; however, it is also important to ensure they learn it the right way. Be realistic with the approach. As a parent, or even if you run a childcare/daycare centre, these tips can be extremely helpful to make sure you induce a good habit. Remember, it is also important to let your child understand that you respect their affection for some particular objects, such as a particularly beloved teddy or comfort blanket, and that it’s okay to have one or two special toys they never want to share. For more details on how to engage your children with early learning through interactive games and activities, visit our website and connect with us today.
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