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So you’re little one has a tiny issue with sharing while playing with other kids. They refuse to let go of that toy, swat hands away, hold on tight to their items even though they weren’t playing with them just a minute ago.
You’ll be relieved to know that it is common! But while it’s normal, it still it’s a good idea to teach them how to share and interact with other kids.
We have 7 effective tips for you to start with. We love these methods as they don’t force them to share - instead, it teaches them the idea of sharing, how to prevent arguments from happening and encourage kindness.
1. Practice taking turns
This is a great way to encourage kids to interact with each other in a fair way. Keep practicing this at whatever they do to form a habit.
For example, take your child’s favourite toy and say ‘it’s mummy’s turn to hug Mr. Bear’. Then hand the bear to him and say, ‘it’s your turn now!’. Keep the game going, passing the bear back and forth while saying whose turn it is to be hugging it.
He will learn that just because he gives up his toy, it doesn’t mean he won’t be having it again. This reassures him that he can still share without giving up their chance to play at all.
2. Praise your child when he shares
Children respond best to positive reinforcement - they love to be acknowledged! No one likes to know where he went wrong or when he is not behaving.
Praise him when you see him sharing with others, no matter how small it is! These simple praises will be more effective at promoting sharing than scolding him each time he doesn’t.
3. Don’t punish him for not sharing
While you want them to share, it is best not to force them into it. Kids, especially if they’re younger, have no concept of sharing. They just think that as long as they can touch it, it’s theirs for the taking.
If you see that your child isn’t playing nice, he refuses to let go of the toy or snatches it from someone else, first start by describing how much fun she’s having with it. Then acknowledge her emotions saying you know it’s hard to let it go and go on to encourage him to take turns and his friend while return it after he is done.
If he still refuses, just go with it! ‘Looks like you’re not ready to share huh? Alright, let us know when you’re done with it so others can have fun with it too okay.’. Eventually he will get the idea. Be patient here!
4. Model it yourself
Children learn best from what they see you do - so start within yourselves! Having a snack? Offer them a pinch and point out how you love sharing with him. And sharing with the rest of the family is a great way to model too. He’ll learn that everyone shares, not just children.
5. Make toys communal
This is useful for those with more than one child. Refer the toys to everyone’s toys. Encourage communal ownership rather than a single person owning an item. They will then feel that they don’t have to guard their possessions with their lives.
6. Avoid getting involved in the conflicts
When you hear whining and yelling coming from the kids, your instinct will be to step in and resolve it asap. However, getting involved denies them the chance to learn how to share on their own. You’ll be amazed to see how creative their problem solving solutions can be! Sometime, they even realise that they don’t care so much about it and move on.
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