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How to Encourage Sharing Skills in Toddlers
A structured overview of what credible sources and parent perspectives commonly say about this topic.
Quick answer
Sharing in toddlers can be encouraged by modeling calm behavior, narrating emotions to build emotional literacy, and teaching simple negotiation phrases like 'Can I have a turn next?' Alternatives include using routines that promote social skills such as Head Start programs or following American Academy of Pediatrics guidance on conflict resolution.
At a glance
Things to try now
What to do now
- 11. When a sharing conflict arises, calmly narrate the child's feelings: 'You feel upset because you want to play with that toy.'
- 22. Teach and encourage use of simple phrases like, 'Can I have a turn next?'
- 33. Allow your toddler to attempt to resolve minor disputes before intervening, stepping in only if it becomes physical or emotionally harmful.
What to say
- “I see you want the toy right now. Let's take turns so everyone can play.”
- “It’s okay to feel upset. When you want a turn, you can say, 'Can I have a turn next?'”
- “I won’t let you hit, but I’m here with you to help you calm down.”
What to practice consistently
- Regularly narrate emotions and experiences to build emotional literacy.
- Consistently model calm responses to frustration and sharing challenges.
- Create daily opportunities for turn-taking and sharing during play and routines.
What to avoid
- Reacting with anger or frustration when your toddler refuses to share.
- Forcing sharing without teaching or explaining why it’s important.
- Intervening immediately in every minor dispute, which can prevent skill-building.
These are common approaches mentioned in sources and by parents. They are informational, not prescriptive.
What this usually involves
- Modeling calm emotional regulation and neutral responses to frustration (Child Mind Institute)
- Narrating the child's feelings to build emotional literacy during calm moments (ZERO TO THREE)
- Setting simple, consistent limits with empathy, e.g., 'I won’t let you hit, but I’m here with you' (ZERO TO THREE)
- Teaching specific phrases for children to use in conflicts, such as 'I don’t like it when you take my toys. Can I have a turn next?' (American Academy of Pediatrics)
- Allowing toddlers to attempt resolving minor disputes on their own to build negotiation skills (American Academy of Pediatrics)
- Using everyday routines and social interactions to practice sharing and turn-taking (Head Start/ECLKC)
Related questions
Teach simple calming strategies like deep breaths or asking for a break, and model calm emotional regulation yourself.
Step in when conflicts become physical or emotionally harmful, but allow minor disputes to be resolved by the child to build skills.
Yes, programs like Head Start offer activities that promote social-emotional development and sharing skills.
Related articles on Parent.wiki
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.
How to Teach Toddlers the Skill of Sharing
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 encouraging turn-taking are effective strategies to foster sharing behavior in young children.
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.
Effective Phrases to Teach Toddlers for Encouraging Sharing
Teaching toddlers to share involves using simple, clear phrases that acknowledge their feelings while encouraging turn-taking and cooperation. Phrases that express empathy and set gentle limits help toddlers learn social skills and emotional regulation during sharing moments.
From around the web
Helping Toddlers Learn to Share
Guidance on teaching toddlers sharing and turn-taking skills.
American Academy of Pediatrics
How to Help Your Child Manage Frustration
Strategies for teaching children calming techniques and emotional regulation.
Child Mind Institute
Social and Emotional Development in Toddlers
Resources on supporting toddlers’ emotional literacy and social skills.
ZERO TO THREE
Supporting Social-Emotional Development in Early Childhood
Information on programs and activities that promote social and emotional growth.
Head Start / ECLKC