MOM HACK | Sharing Toys + Equipment
One thing I did not prepare myself for in parenthood was my toddler refusing to share with others. It feels like there are so many rules involved with sharing that can cause tons of gray area.
🧸Who had it first?
⏰ How long have they had it?
🗣️ Did they say they were done playing with it?
🛝 Is the item a personal or public toy (think sharing at a playground)
The last thing we want to do as parents is add on to the frustration and confusion that toddlers can experience when it comes to sharing items they really care about.
To solve this, here are my MOM HACKS for sharing amongst toddlers!
1 - point out the child who is waiting patiently for their turn. Your child may tend to lose interest in the toy they’re playing with because they realize the control of keeping the toy to themselves is not eliciting a power-dominant relationship over the other child
2 - give positive attention to your child when they do share. This will create a snowball effect of sharing! A simple, “It was so sweet of you to let her take a turn. Thank you for sharing!” can go a long way.
3 - if you’re at a playground using a swing and there’s another child who wants a turn, it is important to find a natural stopping point and redirect to another activity. There’s no reason to rush your child on to the next thing if there is another person waiting. Wrap up in two minutes, then move on to other fun things!
Hopefully this mom hack can help you navigate the intimidating process of sharing! Sharing is a huge part of a young child’s social development, so it’s important that we handle with care! 😇
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Sharing is a key element in a child's social development, influencing their relationships and interactions. Toddlers often struggle with sharing due to their natural possessiveness over toys. One effective strategy is to model sharing behavior by actively demonstrating it yourself. Engage in games that require turn-taking and emphasize patience. Additionally, creating a structured playtime where toys are rotated can help children understand the concept of sharing and that they will have access to the toy later. Using stories or cartoons depicting sharing and friendship can also enhance understanding. It's crucial to maintain a positive environment when encouraging sharing, as negative experiences or pressures can lead to resistance. Parents can also set clear expectations about sharing before playdates, establishing rules in a lighthearted manner. Lastly, feedback and praise when a child shares successfully are vital, reinforcing their behavior and making it more likely to recur. These approaches not only help in managing sharing disputes but also foster lasting skills that benefit children's emotional and social growth.
Absolutely! 🤍