How to teach kids to share
The concept of sharing works as an important lesson for any child. Not each and every child wishes to share but if parents teach them the importance of sharing and how it can be done, then the child would learn to share easily. This article helps parents to learn how to teach kids to share.
How to teach kids to share
With the concept of nuclear families dominating today's society, it is not an uncommon sight where you see even two siblings having problems with sharing their toys. Then most of the today's families have just one child so no question arises of sharing overall. Why would a child need to share his toy when there is no one around? That's what parents with single child consider in the beginning. A child nowadays has his own room, his own closet, his own toys, his own computer, his own clothes and so much more. There is no need to go out and share it with anyone. So there is no problem or need to share his or her toys or other things with anyone.
The problem arises only when the child starts going to a play school. In the playschool, on the very first day the child is busy grabbing toys and books from other's hand and refuses to share it with anyone even after their teacher requests them to do so. Parents get to know from teacher's observation that their child is in no mood to share and it is a big problem. This is when parents realize how important it is to teach their child to share right from the beginning. Well the fact is it's not too late either to teach your child to share, but if taught right from the beginning then the learning gets easier for a child too.How important is it to learn sharing for a child
Learning to share is one of the most important lessons a child learns in his life which helps in his or her overall development of personality. When a child learns to share, along with the concept of sharing few other personality and character traits that the child learns includes kindness, generosity and sacrifice. But when a child does not learn sharing what additionally comes within his personality includes meanness, selfishness and constant refusal traits. Such traits in a character do not help the child in a positive way and may have several disadvantages for the child in the near future.What happens when a child does not share
When a child refuses to share,
- He/she is not liked by many.
- He/she may not be able to make friends.
- He/she may grow selfish
- He or she may just force others to give away their things and thus make others unhappy.
- The child may just end up playing alone.Help your child to understand the concept of sharing
Children need to understand the concept of sharing and its advantages. It is only then that a child would share his things with others. Parents need to explain and always talk with their child about the importance of sharing toys and other things with friends. Parents can start teaching kids about sharing right from the kids being toddlers. Share a fruit or bowl of cereals with your child and use the word share. Let a toddler know about the world 'share'. If your kid feed you something from his plate always remember to say, "Thanks for sharing with mommy". This way it makes easier for kids to understand about sharing and how it works.Let the child know how sharing helps
Always remind your child to share his belongings with others such as siblings or friends. Constant reminding helps a lot. Remind your child how it would be if the other friend too did not share his things with your child. Remind your child how they would be left alone if they do not share their things with their friends. Start teaching about sharing right from a very early age
It is very easy to teach kids to share when they are small. This the time when kids tend to easily grab things that happen in their surroundings! But once children grow then it gets very difficult for them to learn something that is very different from what they have been learning since childhood. So teach your kids to share right from they being toddlers. Make sharing fun for children
Try to teach about sharing in a fun filled manner. Try playing games such as board games or try sharing household chores with your child. Involve your kids in cooking activity and try working together on project or school activity.Reward your child for sharing
If your child learns to share successfully with other children, appraise him or reward him in front of others. This will encourage him to do more.Don't compel sharing
If it gets difficult for a child to hand over his toy to other friends don't compel him to do or by shouting on him in front of others or taking away the toy from him. Instead allow him to have the toy for the moment and later on talk to him about it. Explain to him the consequences that he may have to face if he does not share and how he may end up playing alone. The kid may understand it at least a little later. Give them some time to understand sharing.Be a good role model for your child
Finally children learn more by enacting their parents and hence be a good role model. Instead of teaching them about sharing show them how you share your things with your spouse or friends. Once they see you doing it, they automatically grasp the concept more clearly.
