Teaching children the value of sharing and taking turns is important for parents and caregivers. These skills are essential for building strong relationships and getting along with others. They also help children learn about fairness and consideration for others.
But teaching kids to share and take turns isn’t always easy, especially if they are young or have difficulty with impulse control. Here are some tips to help you guide your child towards becoming a more generous and patient friend:
Model the behavior you want to see.
Children learn through example, so it’s important to model the behavior you want your child to exhibit. If you want your child to share, make sure you share your toys, food, and other items with others. If you want your child to take turns, demonstrate how to wait patiently for your turn and how to be gracious when it’s someone else’s turn.
Use positive reinforcement.
Praise your child when they exhibit sharing and taking turns behavior. Let them know that you are proud of them for being kind and considerate towards others. You can also use rewards or stickers to reinforce positive behavior.
Set clear expectations.
Make sure your child understands what is expected of them in terms of sharing and taking turns. Use simple language and give concrete examples to help your child understand the rules. For example, you might say, “We share toys with our friends so everyone gets a turn to play,” or “We take turns talking so everyone gets a chance to speak.”
Use role-playing and games to practice.
Role-playing and games are a fun and interactive way to help kids practice sharing and taking turns. For example, you might play a board game that requires players to take turns rolling the dice or you could use dolls or stuffed animals to act out different scenarios.
Help your child understand their emotions.
Sometimes kids have trouble sharing and taking turns because they are overwhelmed by emotions like frustration or jealousy. Teaching your child how to recognize and manage their emotions can help them handle these situations more effectively. You can help your child learn to recognize their emotions by labeling them (“You look upset because your friend took the toy you wanted to play with”) and teaching them strategies to calm down (“Taking a deep breath can help us feel better when we’re upset”).
Use redirection.
If your child is having trouble sharing or taking turns, try redirecting their attention to something else. This can help them learn to cope with disappointment and move on to something else. For example, if your child is struggling to share a toy, you might say, “Let’s try playing with this other toy for a little while and then we can come back to this one.”
Seek additional support if needed.
If you’ve tried these strategies and your child is still having trouble sharing and taking turns, it may be helpful to seek additional support. Talk to your child’s teacher or a mental health professional for advice on how to address the issue.
In conclusion, teaching kids to share and take turns is an important part of their social and emotional development. By modeling the behavior you want to see, using positive reinforcement, setting clear expectations, and providing support and guidance, you can help your child learn these valuable skills.
