Have you ever tried asking a toddler to lend his toy to you for sometime so that you can play with it? Well do it just once and you will realize the fact that little children are extremely possessive about their toys which they consider as the biggest possessions that they have. But as a matter of fact this sort of possessiveness is considered essential for making a child to learn sharing their stuff.
 

For instance if your child is playing with other toddlers who are about the same age and the other children like your child’s toy and try taking it from your kid. You would be shocked to notice the huge tantrums that would follow. Your child would never agree to share his toy with other toddlers of his age.
 

When children are young, they give more priority to the owning concept rather than the sharing concept. The concept of borrowing as well as lending cannot be understood by a kid. It is feared by the kid that the things given by her may not be returned back to her. As the children mature they start to learn the importance of sharing. Their surroundings play a huge role in helping them to grasp this art.

1. The belongings of your kid should be respected. You should take the permission of your kid before taking his things. Usage of words like please and thank you while returning the things will be helpful in inculcating good manners in your kid.

2. Inculcate a sense of confidence in your kid. Kids with a high self esteem would share their stuff with a greater ease.

3. Try and be consistent while telling your kid to share his belongings. A casual approach if followed will make your kid think that it is not a bad thing if he does not share his possessions.

4. Sharing should not be limited to only physical objects. For example it may be a little surprising, but in some cases one of your kids may not be very thrilled at the idea of her other sibling to sing with her. You should let your child know that they both may take turns to sing.

5. You should let your child know before-hand that sharing her toys with other kids is something which is expected from her in case you have organized play date.

6. Your toddler should be made to understand that everything in her surroundings is not owned by her parents. Like a park’s swing is not meant for just her but every other kid has an equal right to it.

7. Some rules should be laid down initially. For instance let your kid know that you would purchase a brand new video game for her only if she shares it with the other sibling otherwise none of you would be allowed to play with it.

8. As a parent do things that would encourage your child to share. For instance get 2 chocolates for your 2 kids. Open only one in one day and tell them to share it with each other. The next one can be shared again the next day.

9. Show the other kid’s reaction to your toddler when he allowed the other kid to play with his toy. His friend’s happiness is bound to make your kid happy as well.

10. Explain to your kid that sharing is always mutual. If today she would not permit her friend to share her things then her friend would also not allow her to touch her stuff in future.

11. Your child should be encouraged to resolve his fights himself with a playmate. You should intervene only if the situation gets too overboard.

The child should never be yelled at. However any kind of indiscipline should also not be tolerated. Shouting at the kid makes her rigid and then she does not show any interest in listening to whatever you are saying. It should always be kept in mind by you that sharing concept cannot be understood by your children instantly. Give them time and be a little patient with them.