Page 12 - IFV Issue 7_2023

Today’s Child

TEACHING

TODDLERS

TO SHARE

BY NICOLEEN DAVIES, LIFE TALK FORUM

Toddlers can be a
force to be reckoned
with. Every meltdown,
refusal to share and

tantrum may be trying
and even embarrassing
for a parent, but it is

important to remember
that this behaviour is
developmentally normal
at this age.

hese little ones are egocentric and
find it hard to think outside of their interpersonal relationships and of
Town viewpoints because there is, developing friendships. It also helps to
as yet, no differentiation between aspects create a social standard.
of themselves and others. They are not yet You may not realise it, but learning
capable of thinking logically. They believe to share teaches children a variety of
that everyone has the same desires and social skills – taking turns, collaborating,
thoughts as they do and that everyone cooperating and negotiating. In addition,
sees, hears and feels exactly as they do. children learn that giving rather than
This egocentricity is common taking, and being kind to another person,
between the ages of two and seven. can be equally rewarding.
That’s because a toddler’s pre-frontal
cortex, which manages skills such as self- Teaching sharing
control, planning and controlling, is still The best space to teach a toddler to
developing, making it hard for the child to share is through play. It is a gradual process
share and control their impulses and make requiring practice, just like learning to
rational decisions. Please understand that walk and talk does.
your toddler is not being selfish. It is simply Here are some tips on teaching your
a developmental phase where they think child the skill of sharing:
they are in control, and it takes patience to • Encourage taking turns: This back-
teach them to share and take turns. and-forth communication is a vital skill
and is easy for children to grasp.
Learning to share is an important • Help them wait: Explain that when
milestone the other child is finished playing, they
Learning to share is a fundamental will get a turn. Say that you will wait with
foundation of creating and sustaining them. If they want to cry, that is okay

10 • Issue 7 2023 • The Villager