Teaching My Child To Share!

Woah….

BIG topic!

For parents of only children, this is even more important.

One of the biggest lessons that can be learned before school starts that has to do with socialization is SHARING.

Toddlers are innately selfish. That’s just the way they are.

Think about animals…they have that survival instinct in them.

I sort of compare that to how toddlers are.

They are wrestling with their independence and getting what they want to survive. They want to be on their own…until they need something. 🙂

As a mom of an only child, I am always conscious of this. How do I insure that Anthony learns the idea of sharing at an early age so he is prepared when he goes to school?

Here are some ideas:

1. Taking turns playing with toys. Even if Mom and Dad don’t want to play with the xylaphone that Anthony is playing with, we can take turns with it, so he begins to understand that we all get a turn.

2. Making choices. It’s easy to let the “baby” in the family make all the choices as he/she is the “baby”. However, that makes life difficult in school! Let everyone have a turn making the choices.

3. Be a good example. If Anthony sees Mom and Dad sharing, then he will learn by example. This is so true. We pray before our meals. Always have, always will. Anthony has learned by WATCHING this…and now reminds us to say our prayers and says the prayer along with us. Don’t underestimate the power of observation!

4. Play time with other children his age. Whether it be playing with cousins, neighbors, friends, or being enrolled in a class at the park district, being around other children and learning by being in situations where he needs to share is a great way to learn!

How do you help your child learn how to share? Please comment below! I’m always looking for more ideas!