Teaching kids to share can help them become cooperative, sympathetic, and modest. All kids could initially think it's a challenging chore. Whether it's a beloved toy, pillow, or snack, most kids are quite territorial of their possessions and, up until a certain age, may not have the cognitive capacity to comprehend the idea of sharing.
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They could even quit playing with that toy after battling with you for it with all their might since a child's attention span is relatively brief. Therefore, it is important to start educating children to share at a young age. Here, we've included some straightforward advice and techniques you may use to explain to your child the virtues of sharing:
1. Lead by example
Children learn about sharing most effectively when they observe sharing behaviour. So offer them a piece of your cake or let them try your hat on. Help them understand that you too share with others. Sharing yourself in low-stress circumstances might help your kid start to realise that sharing is a typical aspect of life.
It is crucial to share in front of the youngster as an example. They frequently have a tendency to mimic what they see and hear in their surroundings. Inform them that you lend your books to friends and the less fortunate, as well as your used clothing. Make basic activities obvious and serve as an example for your kids.
2. Use positive reinforcement
It's a terrific idea to use positive reinforcement to motivate your kid to continue sharing. You may remark, "I'm really pleased of you for sharing your toy today!" as an illustration. This may be quite useful because young children thrive with lots of encouragement.
Remember to acknowledge the sharing behaviour of your child's buddy as well!
Give children tiny toys, class snacks, or stickers to share with friends during playdates or at school. They'll be more willing to share on their own once they see that it may be enjoyable.
3. Teach the concept of taking turns
Children need to be taught how to take turns and given lots of practice chances. If a child is not taught how to share, she will continue to play only for her own interests and will ask for turns whenever she feels like it.
Taking turns teaches children important social skills including how to empathise, wait, negotiate, and be patient. It takes time, but it may also be a worthwhile endeavour that will benefit your child for the rest of their life.
4. Keep your child's interests in mind.
Protect and respect your child's attachment to a certain toy if they have one. Teach the value of generosity at the same time. Being overly protective of some things is beneficial for kids. Guard that possession and progressively ease them into sharing.
Ask your child which toys they are willing to share before a playdate. To help them understand the value of sharing, ask the playmate to buy some toys as well.
5. Make it Fun!
Sharing with children doesn't have to be a tedious or lecture-heavy process. There are enjoyable and easy methods to promote this in daily life.
For instance, you may unpack your shopping bags together, water some plants, or alternate adding pieces to a jigsaw puzzle. The purpose of this is to show your youngster how much fun sharing can be. As opposed to competitive games where they place a greater emphasis on winning, try to include more cooperative games in your child's daily activities.
Even the best little sharers among us occasionally falter and have the reluctance to part with their possessions. It's critical to avoid taking it personally or being ashamed. To teach your child the skill of sharing with lasting benefits, you might start by simply rewarding any nice behaviour.