Young children are naturally self-centered. The idea of sharing things with someone is something that needs to be taught and nurtured gradually over time. Parents can teach kids to share by providing them with experiences in which they have to share toys, time and space.
Here are some ideas for parents to encourage sharing among children.
Play with Other Children
Children can be encouraged to share through play with other children. This is particularly important among only children as they have no one to share or play with at home. Encourage contact and interaction with other children through playgroups, kindergartens and visits with other kids. When the kids are playing, try initiating games involving giving things to others so that the kids will learn to share with each other. Older children can learn to share by playing games that require teamwork and cooperation.
Share Selected Toys
Although sharing is important, it is unfair to expect young children to share everything. Before a young friend comes to visit, let your child know that he’s expected to share some of his toys but that he does not have to share his few treasured toys if he doesn't want to. A good solution is to put away your child’s favorite possessions and provide plenty of the same things, such as building blocks, play dough and crayons during play.
Allow Children to Resolve Conflicts
If a big fight breaks out between the children during play, avoid rushing to straighten things out for them. Allow the children to resolve their own conflicts. Only go to their aid if they can’t seem to agree on anything. Kids will learn to share and cooperate better if they are given the opportunity to sort things out between themselves.
Establish Sharing Activities at Home
There are ways to foster sharing through everyday activities at home as well.
- Buy toys and books for kids to share in addition to individual toys and books.
- Encourage kids to swap toys every now and then.
- Share TV time by watching the same programs or taking turns watching each other’s favorite shows.
- Plan family activities together such as visits to the library or working together in the garden.
Dish out Appropriate Consequences
Whenever a child shows generosity and willingly shares something, particularly a prized possession, praise him duly. Likewise, if a child stubbornly refuses to share or starts a squabble over a toy, withdraw the privilege of playing with it until he agrees to share it. When dishing out a consequence, explain to the child the discomfort and unhappiness he has caused the other kids.
Sharing is an important social skill that kids need to make friends and succeed in school. Parents can help by teaching kids to share from young. To encourage sharing among kids, allow them play with other children and resolve their own conflicts; establish some sharing activities at home as well as dishing out appropriate consequences.
Those who find this article interesting may also like to read Overcoming Shyness in Children and Building Self-esteem in Children.
References:
Dr. Stoppard, Miriam. Complete Baby & Childcare. London: Dorling Kindersley, 2006.
Grose, Michael. One Step Ahead – Raising 3-12 Year Olds. Sydney: Random House Austalia, 2000.
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