Children might have trouble grasping certain concepts such as equality, sharing, empathy, and more. That's because kids are born with a primitive skill set, so they behave like little cubs. However, as they mature, they quickly learn new skills, concepts, and how to control their instincts.

One of the concepts kids have to learn is sharing. Instinctively, children might hold on to things because their conservation instinct makes them preserve anything that can help their survival. Adults also have these instincts. However, we can control them.

So, how do you help your children understand that sharing their toys, snacks, and sometimes parents is ok? You can teach your children to share with an open heart and connect with others better through creativity, games, and tricks. Here are a few tips.

1. Take time and explain

You may know what sharing means without having to think about it. Nonetheless, children need concrete examples and explanations to understand fully. Also, it's vital to help them discern between sharing and over-sharing.

But kids look up to their parents. So, you need to show them how you do it and narrate it. Explain that sharing things with others is a great way to get closer and form friendships. Nonetheless, if you really can't share things because you need them urgently, you can politely decline.

Explain the reason behind your actions every time you want to exemplify something.

You can ask your partner to help exemplify a situation where sharing becomes fundamental and is a fun and helpful activity.

2. Help them practice

After you explain things, you can help them practice with other kids. For instance, you can push them to make friends and to share.

Bring some candy and encourage your children to share them with others. On the other hand, you can also teach them to have boundaries and practice refusing to share in some cases.

Moreover, you can help them see another point of view. Show them how sharing can benefit them. For instance, say that they love a toy that their friend has. Explain to them how amazing it would be if that friend shared the toy with them.

3. Teach them to take turns

An efficient way to help children practice sharing is to take turns with an object. For example, if a toy is demanded, you can set a timer for each child to play with that specific toy. This way, you teach your children how to deal with sharing in a responsible and organized manner.

In addition, it helps children develop their communication skills and patience, all while understanding equality. But this skill will help them understand the rules and respect them even when you're not there.

4. Help them be flexible

One of the reasons people get attached to something is that they don't think about alternatives. Having a narrow vision is something that many adults have too.

So, to help your child choose better and adapt in the future, teach your kids to seek alternatives. If they really love a toy, show them that there are myriads of other toys that might be better.

At the same time, while they wait for their favourite toy to become available, your children can create new games and diversify their taste in toys.

5. Help them manage their expectations and prepare

When you know they will play with other kids, prepare your children mentally for the playdate. This means you talk about how sharing might be part of the game.

A greater idea would be to make a list of playdate rules that you both recite together before the playdate. One of the rules could be to "share toys when needed and take turns."

6. Let them manage themselves

Once you have done your part to teach them, let them practice independently and find ways to manage situations. But, remind them that while it's good to do things alone, asking mom or dad is a good idea too.

Observe how they act with other children and how quickly they learn. Then, adjust your teachings accordingly. It sounds easy, but it's a work in progress. So, you might benefit from taking a parenting class, reading a book and keeping a notebook to write all their accomplishments and future education plans.

7. Play more sharing games

Children love having fun. So, incorporating a lesson in a game sounds like the perfect plan to help your kids get used to sharing.

At the end of the day, sharing involves collaboration, communication, respect, and patience. So, any game with those is an excellent foundation for teaching children to share.

For instance, Shoots and Ladders, Snail's Pace Race, and Sneaky Snacky Squirrel are games that can help kids take turns and practice their skills.

Conclusion

When teaching children to share, it's crucial to exemplify. So, be a model for them. Also, you can play games with them and help them prepare for playdates.

Moreover, taking turns and waiting are skills that will help them in the future.

Lastly, teach your kids that sometimes you can find an alternative to things while avoiding over-sharing.

Bio

Terrence Ridley is a blogger, freelancer, and writer at RushMyEssay. Moreover, he's been writing about lifestyle and psychology for a long time and loves it. But Terrence loves talking about education, parenting, and self-improvement. When he's not working, Terrence is walking or spending time with his wife and kids.