There
seems to be a belief, or fear that toddlers are not capable of sharing. There is
a fear it would create a negative complex about sharing, if we try to teach little
ones how to share at such a young age. There seems to be a belief that toddlers
won’t understand what it means when we use the word “share”.
If this was
practiced at home or with playmates with consistence guidance, the little ones would
know what parents or teachers mean by the word “share”. Yes, coming from
several years of caring for toddlers, I am a true believer that it is possible
to teach toddlers how to share, by taking turns and offering choices.
I
use the word “share” after toddlers learn and understand what I mean by
“share”. This can happen with consistent guidance overtime in a group setting with
a few toddlers playing together.
Generally,
understanding the word “share” is not much different than understanding what we
mean by words or phrases like: “Pet softly”, while we demonstrate how to pet a
dog softly, “hold my hand”, while we demonstrate how to hold one’s hand, “kick
the ball”, while we demonstrate how to kick with our foot. I’ve noticed many
parents teach their little ones manners, by using words like: “thank you” and
“please.”
If
sharing is demonstrated appropriately, your toddler should know and understand
the word “share” during playgroup, out on a play-date, or even while playing in
a public setting with other children. While out playing with others, all he or
she would need to know are simple reminders and prompting. Keep in mind, social skills
for toddlers are completely different from social skills of preschool children
and elementary age children.
I
encourage you to read my article Social Skills and Sharing for Toddler Age Group to further understand how I teach toddlers to share.
*Iva
Wow, I never really thought that sharing with toddlers was possible. In reading your "Social Skills and Sharing for Toddler Age Group" article, it makes better since. I'm gonna try some of these tactics you have suggested.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'm a true believer. It does require patience on the caregiver end; however, I've had success in this.
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