Page 33 - Silver Lakes June Issue 2023

TODAY’S CHILD

Guiding toddlers towards being less you treat others; they will learn to do the
Here are some tips on teaching egocentric same.
your child the skill of sharing: There are many strategies that can help • Become gentle and consistent, and don’t
• Encourage taking turns: This toddlers through this developmental phase, give up. They will grow out of this phase and
back-and-forth communication which generally starts to recede at about the will need your support in order to do so.
is a vital skill and is easy for age of five as they become more aware of • Read stories together and discuss
children to grasp. others’ thoughts and feelings: the different characters, their distinct
• Help them wait: Explain that • Set boundaries: Boundaries are essential. personalities and points of view – this will
when the other child is finished No matter how loudly your toddler may help your child develop the skills to apply
playing, they will get a turn. Say protest, setting limits is for their own this thinking to real playmates.
that you will wait with them. If good. Temper tantrums should never go
they want to cry, that is okay unnoticed – this, to curb egocentrism. People who are egocentric often display a
too. Maybe you can interest the • Encourage your child to talk about their lack of empathy. They make decisions that
child in another toy or activity feelings. This will also enable them to benefit only their own needs and are unable
while they wait. understand why they feel the way they do to recognise the needs of others. They focus
• Use a sand timer: It may be and that others may feel the same way, only on their own thoughts and opinions, and
difficult for the toddler to and it will help them to develop a sense of find it difficult to connect with others. The
understand that they will get empathy and caring for others. result? They find teamwork and collaboration
their toy back. A timer can help • Help them to see other people’s difficult.
them to visualise the time until viewpoints by explaining things to them.
they are reunited with the toy. You will be helping them to make positive That’s why it’s crucial that you don’t ignore
• Proactive modelling: Be connections. Use simple language and or indulge this phase. You need to help shape
proactive and use everyday make eye contact with the toddler. your toddler to become a well-rounded,
opportunities to share. When • Model empathetic behaviour towards empathetic person. Be patient – they will
you are eating some grapes, others by getting them to observe how eventually get there.
offer some to your child and
explain what you are doing
to help them understand the
concept.
• Let them try: Allow toddlers to
play and try to work things out
for themselves. Intervene only if
you have to.
• Positive reinforcement:
Acknowledging your child’s
attempts to share will go a long
way towards motivating and
reinforcing their behaviour.
• Sharing games: An excellent
way to teach sharing is through
turn-taking games such as peek-
a-boo and playing simple board
games like snakes and ladders –
or any game where players have
to take turns.

INTRAMUROS JUNE 2023 | 31