Your Child's Health - Archive

Also in this issue: Picking Snacks for Picky Eaters Hand Washing: Don’t Give Up on Plain Soap and Water When That Belly Discomfort Won’t Go Away Stop Dating Abuse Before It Starts Heart Health Starts Young NEWSLETTER HOME PAGE		Learning to Share: It’s Not Easy for Young Children Toddlers probably too young to understand sharing Learning to share is an important stage in growing up, but it can be a difficult lesson for young children. During certain stages of development, children naturally think about themselves first. “Parents should not expect sharing will take hold before children are 3 or older,” says Pete Stavinoha, Ph.D., a child neuropsychologist on the medical staff at Children’s. “Parents of young children can model sharing and talk to their child about sharing from very early on, but don’t be surprised if the child continues to seem selfish with his belongings.” At what age should your child begin to share? 2- to 3-year-olds are too young to understand the concept of sharing. 4-year-olds will naturally share some of their possessions. 6- to 7-year-olds begin to understand cooperation. Setting rules can help. When a child stops using a toy, for example, and another child picks it up, tell the children that it is time for the second child to play with the toy, and that this is what “sharing” means. Make sure the second child has adequate time to play with the toy. Also, tell children that one child should go first, followed by a second child, and call them out by name them. This works better than simply telling the children to take turns, because it is more readily understandable. Other ways to teach sharing to your child include: Reading aloud books about sharing to your children. Playing “take turn” games, letting each child have a chance to go first. Praising children when they share. Be specific: “Thank you for sharing the ball with Susie.” Talking about sharing and modeling sharing with them. Making sharing part of other activities, such as meal or snack times. “These life lessons should be embedded in our interactions with our children from very early on,” Dr. Stavinoha said, “even if we don’t expect that they will show sharing behavior just yet.” For more information about your child's emotional health and other growth and development topics, visit the Health Library at http://www.childrens.com/. Last reviewed: February 2009		Find a Speciality & Service Request an Appointment Support Children's childrens.com
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