Learning how to appropriately interact with others is a significant aspect of your toddler's development. It promotes their ability to make friends, get along with peers at school, and introduces the concept of fairness and compromise. As you prepare your little one for enrollment at a day care center, here's what you can do to encourage your child to share.

How to Teach Toddlers to Share

1. Model Generosity

Toddlers will observe the behavior exhibited by their parents and older siblings. With this in mind, demonstrate generosity on a regular basis in your home. This can be as simple as dividing the last cookie equally between each member of the family or sharing apparel or accessories with other parents and children.

2. Practice Taking Turns

It's natural for toddlers to struggle with the idea of relinquishing a favorite toy, blanket, possession, or snack. Throughout the day, you should talk about and practice taking turns with them. 

Ask for your turn hugging a beloved teddy bear, playing a game, or having a bite of a special treat. Learning how to take turns will help them grasp the concept of sharing as well as patience. 

3. Praise Sharing Behavior

Most importantly, give your little one positive reinforcement. When they wait patiently for their turn, share their favorite treat, and allow siblings and friends to play with toys together, celebrate their sharing tendencies. By knowing this behavior leads to praise, your child will take these habits with them to their school and day care center, promoting positive social interactions and fostering friendships with their peers.

Start your search for a day care center that will help your child establish positive social behaviors by contacting Pumpkin Preschool. With three decades of experience, Pumpkin Preschool knows that the love of learning comes from a great beginning. Through gentle teacher guidance, children develop social-emotional intelligence, critical thinking, and communication skills. Their specialized preschool curriculum ensures that children learn to share and problem solve as they move toward school preparedness and independence. Our programs involve Art, Dance, Language, Math, Music, Science, Technology, Literacy, and Phonetic awareness. This well-rounded curriculum supports children as they build self-confidence with each new accomplishment, guaranteeing their success. Call 1 (800) DAYCARE (329-2273) to book an appointment, or visit their website for additional information on their educational goals.