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How to Teach Toddlers the Skill of Sharing
A structured overview of what credible sources and parent perspectives commonly say about this topic.
Quick answer
Sharing is a social skill toddlers develop gradually as they learn to manage emotions and communicate needs. Common approaches include modeling sharing behavior, teaching simple phrases for negotiation, and providing opportunities for turn-taking during play.
At a glance
Things to try now
What to do now
- 11. Narrate your toddler’s feelings during sharing moments: 'I see you want the truck; it’s hard to wait.'
- 22. Teach and encourage simple phrases like 'Can I have a turn next?'
- 33. Offer limited choices during play to give a sense of control, such as 'Do you want the red block or the blue block?'
What to say
- “I know you’re upset because you want the toy. Let's take turns so everyone can play.”
- “When you say, 'Can I have a turn next?' your friend knows you want to play too.”
- “I won’t let you hit, but I’m here to help you find a way to share.”
What to practice consistently
- Regularly narrate emotions and experiences to build emotional literacy
- Encourage use of words for feelings and requests during conflicts
- Provide frequent opportunities for turn-taking and cooperative play
What to avoid
- Reacting with anger or frustration when the toddler resists sharing
- Forcing sharing abruptly without preparation or explanation
- Intervening immediately in every minor dispute without allowing problem-solving
These are common approaches mentioned in sources and by parents. They are informational, not prescriptive.
What this usually involves
- Modeling sharing by demonstrating turn-taking and cooperative play
- Using simple, clear language to label feelings and requests
- Setting consistent, empathetic limits on behaviors like hitting or grabbing
- Encouraging children to use words to express their needs, e.g., 'Can I have a turn next?'
- Providing choices to give toddlers a sense of control, which reduces resistance
- Praising positive sharing behaviors to reinforce learning
Related questions
Teach simple calming strategies like deep breaths or asking for a break, and model calm emotional regulation.
Step in when conflicts become physical or emotionally harmful, but allow toddlers to try resolving minor disputes themselves.
Narrate feelings during calm moments and model caring behaviors to help toddlers recognize and respond to others’ emotions.
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 Encourage Sharing Skills in Toddlers
Teaching toddlers to share involves helping them develop emotional regulation, communication skills, and empathy through consistent modeling and guided practice. Strategies include narrating feelings, setting simple limits with empathy, and teaching specific phrases for conflict resolution.
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.
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.
From around the web
Helping Toddlers Learn to Share
Guidance on how toddlers develop sharing skills and how parents can support this process.
American Academy of Pediatrics
How to Help Toddlers Manage Big Emotions
Strategies for teaching toddlers calming techniques and emotional regulation.
Child Mind Institute
Supporting Social-Emotional Development in Toddlers
Information on nurturing social skills including sharing and empathy in early childhood.
Head Start / ECLKC