You asked

How can I teach my toddler to share?

You might not like it when your toddler refuses to share her dollies with her friends, but you can rest assured she is not acting out of character for a child of that age. In fact, when a group of toddlers play together, you are likely to see more than one trying to yank a toy away from another child, shouting ‘mine!’

This kind of behaviour is par for the course with toddlers, and it is your job, as a parent, to teach them how to share. Take every opportunity to teach by example. Give her a bite of your cookie, or a sip of your juice. When he or she does the same, or shows signs of sharing in some other way, heap praise on them. Remember, toddlers love to get their parent’s approval, so they are more likely to carry on with behaviour you like if they are getting recognition for it.

If you notice that your child has started exhibiting, what’s known as ‘proto sharing’ – letting people touch or use objects without letting them go, that’s a good sign. It is one of the first steps in learning to share.

When your child does not want to share, do not reprimand him or her. Rather tell your child that it is not nice not to share, and that you are disappointed. If it becomes a big problem, rather avoid the issue by hiding their prized toys before friends arrive.

More questions

There is no right or wrong age to get a family dog; however, you should be mindful of your situation before you rush into things. 
Serious risks and medical conditions associated with regression of a child’s motor skills
Drooling and difficulty eating can be associated with normal toddler behaviour, illness or sensory processes.
Up to the age of three, your toddler will be over separation anxiety. However, as there are so many separations in the years of growing up – pre-school, a few days away at camp, and even your child’s first year at college, bouts of separation anxiety could very well occur from time to time all through your child’s life.
As long as your toddler has plenty of space and time to play, and practice all their new physical skills, they’re probably doing just fine with her development!
Toddlers are naturally curious about everything. Instead of stifling that curiosity, you should be making every effort to promote it!
Your child’s imagination is not only a source of fun – it’s one of his or her most important early learning tools.
Young children are emotional beings. The worst thing you can do is make them stifle those emotions. Teach them how to cope with them instead, and you’ll raise a well-adjusted child.
If you want your child to grow up with a strong spiritual foundation, it’s never too young to start teaching, but remember to teach by example.
For toddlers, as with older children and adults, happiness comes from inside, not from outside.

Latest

Trending