Generating image...
This takes about 20 seconds
Effective Phrases to Teach Toddlers for Encouraging Sharing
A structured overview of what credible sources and parent perspectives commonly say about this topic.
Quick answer
Common helpful phrases include "Can I have a turn next?", "I see you’re playing with that, can I try after?", and "Let’s share the toy together." These encourage sharing by combining empathy, clear expectations, and turn-taking language.
At a glance
Things to try now
What to do now
- 11. When a sharing conflict arises, calmly say, "Can I have a turn next?" to model turn-taking language.
- 22. Narrate your toddler’s feelings: "You feel sad because you want to keep the toy."
- 33. Offer choices: "Would you like to share the car now or play with the blocks?"
What to say
- “I see you’re playing with that. Can I have a turn when you’re done?”
- “It’s okay to feel upset. We take turns so everyone can play.”
- “Let’s share the toy together for a little while.”
What to practice consistently
- Regularly narrate emotions and experiences to build emotional literacy.
- Encourage use of sharing phrases during playdates or sibling interactions.
- Praise your toddler when they use words to express sharing or waiting.
What to avoid
- Avoid forcing sharing or taking toys away abruptly.
- Don’t shame or scold the child for not sharing immediately.
- Avoid reacting with anger or frustration, which models poor emotional regulation.
These are common approaches mentioned in sources and by parents. They are informational, not prescriptive.
What this usually involves
- Using age-appropriate language that toddlers can understand and repeat
- Acknowledging the toddler’s feelings about the toy or situation (e.g., "You really like that car!")
- Teaching turn-taking phrases such as "Can I have a turn next?"
- Setting gentle limits with empathy (e.g., "I know you want to keep it, but we take turns")
- Modeling sharing behavior by sharing your own items or demonstrating patience
- Praising toddlers when they use words to express sharing or waiting
Related questions
You can model sharing by verbally narrating your own sharing actions, such as saying, "I’m sharing my snack with you," and by demonstrating patience and turn-taking during family activities.
Acknowledging your toddler’s feelings and setting consistent, gentle limits with phrases like "We take turns so everyone can play" helps, along with offering choices and praising cooperative behavior.
Intervene when conflicts become physical or emotionally harmful, but allow toddlers to attempt resolving minor disputes to build negotiation skills.
Related articles on Parent.wiki
Effective Phrases to Encourage Sharing in Toddlers
Teaching toddlers to share involves using simple, clear phrases that acknowledge their feelings while encouraging turn-taking and empathy. Phrases that express understanding and set gentle limits help toddlers learn social skills and manage frustration during sharing.
Encouraging Sharing in Toddlers: Helpful Phrases and Strategies
Teaching toddlers to share involves using simple, clear phrases that acknowledge their feelings while encouraging turn-taking and empathy. Common guidance includes modeling sharing language, setting consistent limits with empathy, and praising positive social interactions.
How to Encourage Sharing in Toddlers
Teaching toddlers to share involves helping them develop emotional regulation, communication skills, and empathy through consistent modeling and guided practice. Using simple language, setting clear limits, and praising positive sharing behaviors can support toddlers as they learn to navigate social interactions.
Effective Ways to Praise Toddlers for Sharing
Praising toddlers for sharing helps reinforce positive social behavior and builds their emotional literacy. Effective praise focuses on effort and the specific action, encouraging toddlers to understand the value of sharing rather than just receiving generic compliments.
From around the web
Helping Toddlers Learn to Share
Offers practical tips and phrases to encourage sharing and cooperation in toddlers.
American Academy of Pediatrics
How to Help Toddlers Manage Big Emotions
Discusses emotional regulation strategies that support social skills like sharing.
Child Mind Institute
Social-Emotional Development in Toddlers
Explains emotional literacy and social skill-building in early childhood.
ZERO TO THREE
Teaching Children to Share and Take Turns
Provides strategies and phrases to promote sharing and turn-taking.
Head Start / ECLKC