Wouldn't it be a dream come true if our little growing toddlers came equipped with a auto mannerism button? Well the reality is children don't come with an auto button and although we think we've addressed the do's and dont's  the reality is its a repetitive cycle of repeating but most importantly showing your child(ren) what right looks like. So while at home, out in public, and especially while he/she is playing with other children be sure to over exaggerate and applaud good behavior. Verbal compliments and rewards are confidence builders and to watch your little toddlers face light up after he/she knows they've done something good should be even more rewarding to you the parent/ caregiver so in all essence its a win win situation! Below are a few tips and plans of action to take to assist with teaching your infant/toddler to share.

Opportunities to learn about and practice sharing. Here are some ways to encourage sharing in everyday life:

• Point out good sharing in others. You can say things like, ‘Your friend was sharing his/her toys really well. That was very kind of him/her.

• When you see your child trying to share or take turns, make sure you give lots of praise and attention.

• Play games with your child that involve sharing and turn-taking. Talk your child through the steps, saying things like, ‘Now it’s my turn to build the tower, then it’s your turn. You share the red blocks with me, and I’ll share the green blocks with you.

• Talk to your child about sharing before he/she has play-dates with other children. For example, you could say, ‘When Caden comes over, you’ll need to share some of your toys. Why don’t we ask him what he wants to play with?

When your child wont share:

• Sharing can be a challenge, especially at first. Most children need practice and support to develop this skill.

• If your child doesn’t share well, you can try practicing together at home and talking about what you’re doing. For example, ‘Let’s share this banana. You can have some, and I can have some’.

• There’s no reason to avoid play-dates if your child has trouble sharing. Instead, use them as a chance to help your child practice. You could stay nearby and encourage your child so he/she doesn’t forget to share. When your child does try to share, you can say exactly what your child did well and how proud you are.

#ClayHappySharing