Sharing Is Caring... Apparently
Ah, sharing. That beautiful concept we all dream our kids will master - preferably before they start daycare. You picture your little one kindly offering their toys, snacks and affection to others. In reality? It’s a full-blown turf war over a half-eaten arrowroot biscuit and a plastic dump truck.
The Great Toy Hostage Negotiation
If you’ve ever tried to teach a toddler to share, you’ve probably witnessed the emotional equivalent of a United Nations summit - complete with tears, threats, and the occasional dramatic collapse onto the floor.
“That’s mine!” echoes through your lounge room like a war cry, followed by their sibling’s indignant “Muuuum!” and the distant sound of a toy being launched into orbit.
You try to explain that sharing makes everyone happy. They respond by hugging the toy tighter and giving you that suspicious toddler side-eye that says, ‘I was born yesterday, but not that yesterday.’
Why They Struggle
Here’s the good news: your kid isn’t selfish — they’re just human. Little humans. And little humans are hardwired to protect what’s theirs. Between ages two and four, children are only just developing empathy and the ability to see things from someone else’s perspective. So, when they grab the toy and shout, “Mine!”, it’s not greed… it’s neuroscience.
The Nappy Shop’s Tips for Teaching Sharing
- Start small. Don’t test their generosity with their favourite doll or digger. Try neutral items like crayons, playdough, or snack packs. (We recommend giving everyone their own pack of wipes, though. Some things shouldn’t be shared.)
- Set a timer. Use a phone or kitchen timer to show when it’s time to swap. Kids understand turns better when there’s a clear finish line. Otherwise, it’s just emotional chaos.
- Model the behaviour. Share your time, your attention, even your Tim Tams. (Just not the last one. You’re only human too.)
- Make sharing fun. Turn it into a game. “Your turn!” and “My turn!” can sound like play rather than orders.
- Praise the effort. When your child does share, throw a mini parade. Big smiles, high fives, the lot. They’ll remember the warm fuzzies.
The Long Game
Sharing is one of those skills that develops slowly, like fine motor skills or learning that silence in the next room is never a good sign. Over time, your little one will learn that generosity feels good. They’ll start to offer toys, snacks, and maybe even hugs, all without prompting.
Until then, keep your sense of humour handy and your wipes closer.
Because at the end of the day, sharing isn’t about perfection. It’s about raising kind, thoughtful little humans who’ll (eventually) give up the last rice cracker without a fight.
And that, dear parents, deserves a celebratory cuppa… preferably one you don’t have to share.
