Teaching your toddler to share

While the majority of toddlers believe the world revolves around them – and let’s face it, up until that age, it’s probably true – it’s important to teach them the importance of sharing once they reach this stage.

While sharing won’t come naturally, it can be learned through teaching and (lots) of practice – and of course, patience on mum and dad’s part.

Be the test dummy

Encourage your toddler to share with you in a relaxed environment. Rather than telling them they have to share, instead say: “Can Mum have a turn with your toy?” If your toddler throws a tantrum, don’t give in; but similarly, don’t give out to them. Be patient and when they eventually begin to hand you their toy, thank them and show them how happy they’ve made you by sharing.

Set an example

If a toddler sees you sharing, they’re more likely to embrace the concept. If something of yours really isn’t suitable for a child (make up, precious jewellery, etc) don’t say “That’s Mum’s”. Instead tell them it’s not a toy and give them something safer to hold.

Show them the benefits

If you’re little one is resisting your encouragement to share, teach them that there are consequences to being selfish. If your toddler refuses to share a toy with you or a sibling, remove yourselves from the scene, leaving the toddler alone with their toy. Return after a few minutes and try again. If you repeat this, eventually your toddler will realise that sharing leads to play time with others and more fun.

Play dates

Toddlers can get territorial when other children try to play with their toys. If a friend’s child or a cousin is coming over, prevention is probably the best policy. Put away your toddler’s favourite toys and put the more average toys out in a section of the floor for both children to play with. Your toddler will still probably make a bit of a fuss, but make sure you keep telling them how happy sharing makes you.