As parents, we want our children to be generous, kind, and cooperative with others. We may think we can help them learn these skills by requiring them to share with others. However, many educators now believe forcing children to share does not actually teach the intended lessons. So let’s start by thinking about the social […]
Why is it so difficult for toddlers to share? To put it simply, their brains do not yet have the ability to comprehend the patience, compassion and planning that sharing requires. “Children under two often have difficulty sharing because they have not yet developed a sense of empathy,” says Bonnie Bonifield, education expert at Tutor Time. […]
Asking your young child to “share” is likely to trigger tears and tantrums – here’s why. But don’t give up – there are lots of ways to boost your child’s graciousness, patience, and empathy, which all add up to honest-to-goodness sharing over time. Here’s how: Take Timed Turns Don’t tell your child to “wait just a minute” when […]
Little friends Noah and Evan were having a playdate, but it wasn’t going well. They both NEEDED Noah’s nice, new dump truck. Noah’s Dad heard screams of “Mine! Mine!” and went to smooth things out. “Come on guys, you need to share the truck. Let’s see you sharing nicely.” “It’s mine!” “I wanna use it!” […]
Any parent of a preschooler knows the subject of sharing warrants an entire how-to manual. So although our four-part series on sharing is all wrapped up today, just in time for the holidays, we hope you’ll refer back to it – and print and upload our adorable sharing activities – throughout 2012. But first, check […]
The word “sharing” doesn’t usually conjure up images of fun, happy play in the mind of preschoolers’ parents. More often, sharing means protests of “mine!” and guaranteed hurt feelings. But sharing doesn’t have to be dreaded. The best way to teach sharing is by simply having fun with it. Preschoolers are deeply involved in their […]
You’ve been there: Several parents get their preschoolers together for a playdate. As the grown-ups get down to coffee and chatting, the kids get down to play. All too soon, you’re pulled away from some much-needed adult conversation by Sharing Gone Bad – the sound of your child screeching, “Mine! It’s mine!” So much for […]