Sharing goes with taking turns. Sharing means letting others use something too.
Key idea
Sharing can mean taking turns, playing together, or letting someone use something for a while. It is still yours.
Why it works
When we share, more people get to have fun. Sharing tells a friend, “I want you to enjoy this too.”
You can say: “Let's use it together.” “You can have a turn when I'm done.” “Do you want some?”
Worked example: Let's practice
Ruby has one special teddy bear. Leo is coming over. What can Ruby do?
- Some special things are hard to share. That is okay.
- Ruby can put the bear away before Leo comes.
- Then she shares the other toys happily.
Answer: Ruby puts her bear away and shares her other toys.
Common mistake
Thinking sharing means giving a toy away for good. Sharing can mean taking turns or playing together. And it is fine to put away one special thing before a friend comes.
For the grown-up. Before a playdate, let your child choose one or two special toys to put away. Praise sharing when you see it: “You let Hana use the blue one. She looked so happy.”