How to Handle Kids Who Don’t Want to Share: Tips for Parents

Teaching children to share can be a daunting task for many parents. It's a crucial social skill that helps kids develop empathy and cooperation. However, the journey to mastering this skill can be filled with challenges. If you find yourself struggling to get your child to share, you're not alone. Let's explore why children may resist sharing, practical tips for encouraging this behaviour, and how our nurseries collaborate with parents to support children in learning to share.

Find the perfect nursery for your child

Understanding Why Kids Don’t Want to Share

Developmental Stages:

• Egocentric Thinking: Young children, especially toddlers, are naturally egocentric. They see the world primarily from their own perspective, which makes it difficult for them to understand why they should share. This is a normal part of their development.

• Attachment to Objects: Children often form strong attachments to their possessions, viewing them as extensions of themselves. This can make the idea of sharing feel like a significant loss.

Psychological Factors:

• Sense of Ownership: Kids develop a strong sense of ownership over their belongings. Sharing might make them feel like they are losing control.

• Insecurity: Some children may refuse to share because they feel insecure and worry they won’t get their toy back.

For more insights on why kids might struggle with sharing, you can refer to Today's Parent guide on sharing.

Tips for Encouraging Kids to Share

1. Model Sharing Behavior: Children learn a lot by observing adults. Show them how to share by sharing your own belongings and praising them when they share. This modelling can be a powerful tool.

2. Create Opportunities for Sharing: Set up playdates and group activities where sharing is necessary. This provides children with real-world practice.

3. Praise and Positive Reinforcement: When your child shares, praise them enthusiastically. Positive reinforcement can encourage them to repeat the behaviour.

4. Use Stories and Role-Playing: Read books about sharing and involve your child in role-playing scenarios where sharing is part of the story. This can help them understand the concept in a fun and engaging way.

5. Teach Turn-Taking: Turn-taking is a form of sharing that can be easier for young children to grasp. Use timers or other tools to help children take turns with toys and activities.

6. Set Clear Expectations: Before playdates or group activities, discuss the importance of sharing and set clear expectations. Explain that sharing can make playtime more enjoyable for everyone.

For more practical tips, check out Parents Canada on why your toddler won't share and Baby Sparks guide on what to do when your toddler won't share.

The Werton Way: How We Teach about Sharing in Our Nurseries

At our nurseries, we understand the importance of teaching children to share and work closely with parents to reinforce this skill. Here’s how we support sharing:

• Structured Playtime: We organise activities that require children to share toys and resources. This helps them practise sharing in a structured environment.

• Positive Reinforcement: Our staff provides positive reinforcement when children share. This includes verbal praise and small rewards to encourage the behaviour.

• Social Stories and Activities: We use social stories and interactive activities to teach the importance of sharing. These activities are designed to be engaging and educational.

• Parental Involvement: We keep parents informed about their child’s progress and provide tips on how to reinforce sharing at home. This collaborative approach ensures consistency in teaching this important skill.

• Conflict Resolution: When conflicts arise over sharing, our staff guides children through resolving them amicably. This helps children learn how to negotiate and compromise.

For more information on our approach to fostering sharing and cooperation, feel free to reach out to our nursery staff.

A Rewarding Challenge

Teaching children to share can be challenging, but it’s an essential skill for their social development. By understanding the reasons behind their reluctance to share and implementing practical strategies, parents can help their children learn to share more willingly. The Werton Group is committed to working with parents to support this learning process, ensuring that children develop the social skills they need to thrive.

For further reading and resources on teaching kids to share, visit Today's Parent, and Bespoke Family.

Give your child the perfect start to life. Explore our nurseries or talk to a member of our team today.