Toddler Activities That Teach Sharing
Help Young Children Share With Creative Social Games
Jun 10, 2009
There's no denying that it can be tough to teach a two or three year old child to share, but learning to share is a very important milestone in a toddler's social development and it is worth the effort. The use of a few basic sharing tools and creative techniques will aid in the development process.
Timed Turn-Taking Activities
When a child has a toy designed for individual play, use a timer to show the toddler how to take turns. Set the timer for a short interval of one or two minutes and allow each child in a group to take turns with the object. If there are no siblings or other children to play with, get on the floor and demonstrate the art of taking turns with the toddler.
Another way to teach turn taking is to play musical shares. Take one of your toddler's special toys (perhaps a stuffed teddy bear or doll) and play musical shares with it by passing it back and forth to music. Demonstrate to the owner of the toy that another child will not permanently take the toy away.
Sharing Games, Playing Doctor or Car Repair Shop
Demonstrate to your toddler that sharing can open up a whole new set of fun possibilities and will gain him or her meaningful friendships. Here are a couple of examples of cooperative play with two or more toddlers.
- Play Doctor. A toddler or preschooler can be encouraged to play with another by making up a doctor game. Have them pretend that the baby doll is sick and has to be taken to the hospital. One child can be the mommy and one can be the doctor. The baby doll will have to be passed off to the doctor for a short examination, and then passed back to mommy who can comfort her.
- Play Car Repair Shop. If a special truck is hard to share, your toddler can be encouraged to play car repair shop with a friend. Tell the child that the truck needs a tune-up and help to set up a repair shop with toy tools and blocks. Another toddler can act as the mechanic and take the truck in for a short repair and the truck owner can test-drive the fixed vehicle.
Sharing Play Dates
When a toddler has ample opportunities to play with others her age she will be more likely to learn about the benefits of sharing. Carefully plan play dates so that there are cooperative activities available, such as arts and crafts, games, ball pits, tents, dress-up items, etc. Keep play dates for toddlers short. Remember that if there is a scuffle over a toy at any time during the play date, use a timer to allow each child some time with the toy.
The Special Toy Box
It is important that children be allowed to have a couple of very special toys that they do not have to share. These toys should always be placed in a special box before play dates. This will help a toddler to understand that any toys remaining out of the box will need to be shared with friends. Discuss this fact with the youngster before guests arrive.
Toddler activities and games designed to teach sharing will be important for a young child’s social development. Remember that learning to share may be difficult for some toddlers and easy for others, but every child will eventually learn that sharing is an essential way to make friends and be socially accepted by peers.
