Sharing... - Tampa,FL

Here is what I have been doing: talking about sharing and taking turns ( and modeling that behavior) , also making sure that my son isn't always getting first pick (at dinner, of the blocks, whatever), and letting him wait for some things (so he gets the idea of delayed gratification)

I role play with his stuffed animals too.

I let him know that I notice when he shares and plays nice with other kids, just in everyday situations.

It has all been working.

Maybe let your son know that he doesn't have to share certain things (like a lovey) so he feels he has some control over his life.

I think the reading the Mister Rogers book about making friends helped too.

It's just a hard age, they don't get sharing so much. I agree to start by taking turns with things. Play ball with him and every time he passes it to you say Mommy's turn, and pass it back to him. Taking turns is sometimes easier to understand than sharing, in my opinion. I think if you just change your verbage with a lot of things you already do, you'll find that you can easily fit this concept in. Do you generally share food with him, like a sip of your water or a bite of a treat or something? If so emphasize that you are sharing with him and it's nice to share.

Try examples at home. You can "share" a snack (Mama gets a bite, now I let you have a bite), you can take turns petting the dog (assuming you have one), feeding the ducks or whatever you do together. You can share your seat with him while you watch TV or read a book together.

Sharing and courtesy are a few of those things we learn as much from our parents as from our peers.

Good for you identifying the need to teach this! It's the beginning of respect for others -- and a life-long lesson.

You can also, while he's alone, put a time limit on stuff.... You can play with the ball for 10 minutes... and then set the timer. When the timer goes off you say "now it's time to leave the ball alone and play with your train."

And stop telling him it's his stuff..... instead of your ball, say "you can play with this ball".

If he doesn't have siblings or go to daycare.... who is he sharing with?

Sharing is hard up until they are.....oh, I don't know..... 85? Like, really..... who wants to let someone else touch their stuff? We just learn that it's socially acceptable to share and we expand our awareness and learn to get involved in things other than what we were doing. I mean imagine if someone went into your jewelry box without asking and just put on a pair of earrings..... would you share well?

Also - model when you are "sharing"...... "mommy is using the washcloth... now mommy is going to share... now it's your turn to use the washcloth..." or whatever.

Sharing "something" versus EVERYTHING... is something that a very young child, does not differentiate between.
Hence, when you tell them to share something, they may think they have to share everything all the time. Even if they don't want to.

With my kids, I taught them also, that they did NOT "have to" share things that were too special to them, or things like their beloved lovey etc. And I let them put it aside.
Then they understand.

Small children do not like to share - it is normal. You need to be patient, explain that it means taking turns. Demonstrate it with some toys. And to understand that sometimes it is OK not to share. Would you let me drive your car? So - you are not sharing. He has the same rights. You can try to persuade him but you cannot force him. Good luck. It is normal behavior.

I agree with the others about modeling the behavior that you are trying to encourage. It is also important to talk to him about how other people feel....for instance...if you see him "sharing" his food with a toy...or "sharing" his book with a stuffed animal...talk to him about how HAPPY it makes that toy "feel" that he is sharing with them.You can also be sure and give him positive reinforcement for "shareing" with you!!! I would also see about the possiblity of setting up some "play dates" with someone who has a child near his age...don't expect miracles...it is not going to be all sweetness and light between them...but it will be a great opportunity for you to work with him on these concepts.