Children need to learn how to share, because they need to know how to make and keep friends and play cooperatively. Sharing teaches children about compromise and fairness. They need to learn that if we give a little to others, we can get some of what we want too. A key part in getting along with others is sharing, so it becomes important when children start having friends, going to other children’s houses and when going to school.
Sharing is important for several reasons:
- Social Skills: It helps kids develop crucial social skills, such as cooperation, empathy, and communication.
- Building Relationships: Sharing fosters friendships and strengthens bonds with others, creating a sense of community.
- Empathy and Understanding: It teaches children to consider others’ feelings and perspectives, promoting empathy.
- Conflict Resolution: Sharing can help kids learn to navigate conflicts and find solutions together.
- Positive Reinforcement: It encourages generosity and kindness, reinforcing the idea that helping others can be rewarding.
- Trust and Respect: Sharing creates an environment of trust, where children feel valued and respected.
- Self-Confidence: When kids share, they gain confidence in their ability to contribute and engage with others.
Children learn through watching others. When they see good role models that share, they will pick that up and know how to share with others. Children need opportunities to learn about and practise sharing.
Some examples to practise sharing:
- Model Behaviour: Kids learn by watching. Share your things and demonstrate kindness in sharing with others.
- Use Games: Play cooperative games where sharing is required for success, like team sports or board games designed for multiple players.
- Praise Sharing: Acknowledge and celebrate when kids share with others. Positive reinforcement can encourage them to keep it up.
- Storytime: Read books that emphasise sharing and friendship. Stories can be powerful tools for teaching lessons.
- Set Up Playdates: Arrange opportunities for your child to interact with peers, which can create natural moments for sharing.
- Create Sharing Opportunities: Organise activities like art projects or cooking, where kids can create and share with one another.
- Discuss Feelings: Talk about how sharing makes others feel. Help them understand the joy of giving and the benefits of teamwork.
- Start Small: Begin with smaller items or less personal belongings, then gradually encourage them to share more valuable things.
Although it is important to share, they need to know that it is OK for children to know that there are some things they do not have to share. When a friend is visiting you, you can put your toys away that you do not want to share with them.
Overall, sharing lays the foundation for healthy relationships and positive interactions throughout their lives.