How do you teach kids to share? That’s the eternal parenting question.
It would be the understatement of the century to say that Kiddo does not like sharing. I know that most kids have trouble with sharing, blah blah blah. But, seriously, his fear of other kids touching or looking is quite severe. If your kid always shares readily, lucky you.
Now, I don’t think that kids need to be able to share everything. In fact, I think it’s perfectly acceptable for kids not to want to share all their toys and I don’t force the issue. However, it would be nice if my son could sometimes play with the other kids at the park without having a breakdown.
Enter: “the sharing ball”. I informed Kiddo that we were going to purchase 2 new balls, which of course put him over the moon. New toys! However, these two balls were only to be played with with other kids. A few words on the balls themselves serve as a reminder. I’m sure it won’t solve the problem completely, but I am hopeful that it means we can actually contribute some toys to park play dates. Up to now Kiddo has adamantly refused to bring his own toys because, Heaven forbid, another kid might touch them.
More tips on sharing appreciated.
BranFlakes says
I love that you bought toys that's only use is for sharing. It's a really good idea.
Bona Fide Mama says
That IS a great idea. We don't have a lot of trouble with this since my son was pretty young when sister was born. One thing that we HAVE done though was say that there are specific special toys that never have to be shared.
Fanny Harville says
Norris used to have a lot of trouble sharing unless we did major prep beforehand. I think the “Sharing” balls you bought are a great idea. We do something similar: we choose a couple toys to bring somewhere, at least one of which he *doesn't* have to share, and then we choose which toy we are bringing to share with the other kids. I think it is OK and perfectly understandable that kids don't want to share, and I like to acknowledge the intensity of that feeling by reserving something that doesn't have to be shared at the same time that we practice sharing.
Mom, M.Ed. (Jessica) says
Confession: I HATE to share.
Fact: I am an only child. I am raising an only child and secretly, I know I'm promoting a “you don't have to share” attitude. LOL!
Oddly enough, Benjamin is pretty good about sharing–although, honestly, he isn't asked to share very often so perhaps if it was his favorite toy, he may not be so sweet! 🙂
Mom Unplugged says
Great idea! (Did it work??)
Shenandoah Ferreira says
My little guy is the same with sharing…..hates it.
I really like the sharing ball idea. Hows it going?
Mom and Kiddo says
It's actually been working out quite well!