One evening, your toddler brings her doll to the park. Naturally, other girls are interested and want to play with it. However, your toddler is not willing to share. As you insist on sharing, tensions rise.
I once read an article suggesting that forcing kids to share can backfire. It can make them see you as overly demanding, which can change their attitude negatively. Humans are naturally possessive, whether it’s kids with their toys or adults with their belongings. Over time, however, they might become more willing to share.
Your child might be deeply involved in building a castle with blocks when another kid insists on sharing those blocks. Let them finish their activity first. As parents, we often dictate our children’s actions, from their diet to their behavior. However, it’s crucial to let them establish their own play rules.
If your child immediately hands over a toy when asked, they might consistently put others’ wishes before their own. This can lead to timidity and a lack of assertiveness as they grow older. Encourage them to express their desires and think independently. They should have the freedom to decide when to share.
The world isn’t always fair. Teach your child to understand the value of sharing but also the importance of standing their ground. They need to learn balance—when to give and when to hold on to what matters to them.
Kids often learn best from experiences. If your child doesn’t want to share and faces negative consequences, it teaches them a valuable lesson. Many find it difficult to say ‘no.’ Teach your child to say it politely but firmly. This skill will help them avoid unnecessary trouble and assert their boundaries effectively.
Teaching kids to say ‘no’ isn’t about fostering non-cooperation. It’s about enabling them to voice their desires respectfully. Just as others shouldn’t interrupt your child’s play, your child should also respect others’ activities and belongings.
In the end, sharing isn’t always straightforward. Modern parenting involves raising independent but caring kids. Whether they choose to share or not, they should be able to make that choice confidently.
