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Things Teachers and Parents can do for teaching Children to Share
Parents often complain that their preschooler doesn’t like sharing things with others. If you are facing this problem at home, you are not alone. Please remember that its perfectly normal for children of this age to find sharing a tricky idea. In general, children start understanding the concept of sharing from the age of three years. However, it may take much longer for them to get mentally prepared to sharing their belongings with friends and family members.
At the tender age of three to four years, children are not mature enough to resist their impulses. Their own needs are their first priority and they tend to get upset when someone else’s needs get in the way. Therefore, don’t be surprised when your young kid doesn’t allow his sister to play with his favourite toy.
The good thing about this phase of childhood is that the sharing skills start developing at this age beneath the surface. This is partly because all young children love being praised by their parents, teachers, and friends. As parents and teachers, you can encourage your children and students to share by sowing the seeds of generosity in them.
Mentioned below are a few things you can do for teaching children to share.
Make it fun: Instead of competitive games that focus solely on winning, children should be taught cooperative games where they need to work together with others. You can do this by solving a jigsaw puzzle together or sharing activities such as sweeping the floor, watering the plants, or unpacking the shopping.
Don’t Punish: There is no denying the fact that seeing your child snatching things from his or her friends can be extremely embarrassing. However, never tell your child that he or she is selfish or force him or her to part with a prized possession. This may create a sense of negativity about sharing in your child’s mind.
Children often become defensive when they feel embarrassed or ashamed. This mindset can make it very difficult for them to acquire new skills. Please remember that it is natural for them to keep some items to themselves. As they mature, children learn that it can be much more enjoyable to share things with friends, compared to playing alone. Therefore, please abstain from punishing your child for refusing to share things.
Talk it out: If your child is reluctant to share a certain item, ask him or her why. May be you will find out that there is shortage of that particular toy at his or nursery or that he or she values a particular dress because it was a gift from grandma.
Explain: Make your child understand that sharing something doesn’t mean losing it forever. Also, make them understand that if they are ready to share things with friends, their friends will also be inclined to share theirs.
Set an example: Witnessing generosity is the best way for your three or four-year-old to learn it. Therefore, you can set an example for them by sharing your ice-cream or trying on his or her new hat.
At Valley Heights Preschool Long Day Care Centre, we offer a caring and supportive educational environment for children aged 2 to 5 years. Please contact us to discuss your child’s developmental and early childhood educational needs.