Teaching Toddlers to Share.

It’s like oil and water. Cats and baths. Pineapple on pizza.

But teaching your toddlers to share?
It’s not just important—it’s essential for raising kind, empathetic humans.

Spoiler alert: It’s not going to be easy.

They’ll scream. They’ll cry. They’ll clutch their toys like they’re holding the last biscuit in the tin.

But trust me, with the right strategies and a truckload of patience, you can make it happen.

Ready? Let’s dive into the mess (and the magic) of teaching toddlers to share.

Why Sharing Is So Hard for Toddlers

Picture this: You’re watching your toddler and their friend.

Both are eyeing the same toy truck.

Cue the standoff.

Why? Because sharing doesn’t come naturally to toddlers.
It’s like expecting a puppy to sit through Beethoven’s Ninth without chasing its tail.

Here’s why:

1. Toddlers Think the Universe Revolves Around Them

At this age, they’re not just the main character in their story—they’re the only character.
If their life had a tagline, it’d be, “Me first, me always.”

2. Impulse Control? Never Heard of It

Toddlers have the impulse control of a squirrel in a peanut factory.
Even if they want to share, their little brains aren’t wired for it yet.

3. Their Stuff = Their World

That tattered stuffed bunny isn’t just a toy.
It’s their safety net, their best friend, their emotional support plushie.

4. “Fairness” Is a Foreign Concept

Fairness? Taking turns? That’s graduate-level stuff.
Toddlers are still in Sharing 101.

Why Bother Teaching Toddlers to  Share?

You might be thinking, “Can’t they just figure this out later?”

Not really.

Teaching toddler to sharing isn’t just about stopping tantrums (although that’s a nice perk).
It’s about giving them skills they’ll use for life.

Here’s why sharing is worth the effort:

1. It Builds Social Superpowers
   Sharing is like the secret handshake of friendships.
   No sharing = no friends.

2. Hello, Empathy
   When they learn to share, they learn to care about others.
   And that’s worth its weight in gold stars.

3. Preschool Prep
   If they can share crayons now, they’ll be ready for the epic glue stick battles of school.

4. Generosity Feels Good
   Sharing makes them (and the people around them) feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

5. Conflict Resolution Skills
   They’ll learn to solve problems without yelling, “MIIIIINE!” at the top of their lungs.

When to Start Teaching Toddlers to  Share

Good news: It’s never too early to start.

Even if your toddler doesn’t get the whole “sharing” thing yet, you can still lay the groundwork.

Here’s how:

18 Months:
At this age, sharing looks more like “taking turns.”
It’s baby steps, not leaps.

Signs They’re Ready:

• Copying what you do
• Showing interest in other kids (or their snacks)

Remember:
This isn’t a one-and-done lesson.
It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

The Secret to Teaching Toddlers to Share

Now for the good stuff.

Here are some tried-and-tested tips to teach sharing without losing your mind:

1. Monkey See, Monkey Do

Toddlers are expert mimics.
If you share with them, they’ll eventually share with others.

2. Make It a Big Deal

When they share, even a little, celebrate like they’ve won an Oscar.

“Wow! You let your friend play with your truck? You’re amazing!”

3. Turn-Taking Games Are Your Friend

Rolling a ball back and forth or trading puzzle pieces teaches sharing in disguise.

4. Story Time With a Message

Books about sharing work wonders.
Some faves?

• “Llama Llama Time to Share”
• “Should I Share My Ice Cream?”

5. Set Some Ground Rules

Clear expectations help.
Try, “When friends come over, we share the toys in the basket.”

6. Designate Off-Limit Treasures

Some toys are sacred. Let them keep a few just for themselves—it’s only fair.

Playdates: The Ultimate Sharing Bootcamp

Playdates are a goldmine for teaching toddler to sharing.
Here’s how to make the most of them:

Before:

Prep your toddler.
Explain that sharing means everyone gets to have fun.

During:

Stay close enough to referee.
Use phrases like, “Let’s take turns,” or “How about you play with this while they use that?”

After:

Praise them like crazy for every sharing win.

Common Sharing Fails (And How to Avoid Them)

Even with the best intentions, things can go south.
Here’s what NOT to do:

1. Forcing It

Making them share can backfire.
Instead, encourage and model sharing.

2. Expecting Miracles

They won’t master this overnight.
Keep expectations realistic.

3. Ignoring Their Feelings

If they’re upset about sharing, acknowledge it.
Try, “I know it’s hard to share. Let’s figure it out together.”

4. Not Having a Plan B

Always keep a backup toy handy.
Distraction can save the day.

Real-Life Sharing Scenarios (and How to Handle Them)

Scenario 1:
Your toddler refuses to share their favourite toy truck.

What to Do:
Acknowledge their feelings: “You really love that truck!”
Then suggest a swap or offer another toy.

Scenario 2:
Two kids are fighting over the same toy.

What to Do:
Step in and mediate.
“We can take turns. Let’s set a timer.”

Scenario 3:
Your toddler shares, but then snatches the toy back.

What to Do:
Praise the initial sharing and gently remind them about taking turns.

FAQs About Teaching Toddlers to Share

1. My toddler flat-out refuses to share. Help!
Stay calm.
Model sharing and praise even the smallest steps forward.

2. How do I handle sibling sharing wars?
Set rules and use timers for fairness.
Remind them that sharing means more fun for everyone.

3. Is it possible to start too early?
Nope.
Even if they don’t get it yet, early exposure helps.

4. What if my toddler cries when asked to share?
Validate their feelings, then guide them gently.

5. Should I reward sharing?
Small rewards can help, but focus on how sharing makes others happy.

Sharing Stories That’ll Make You Smile

The Teddy Bear Test

One mum shared a story about her son and his beloved teddy.
She started by “borrowing” Teddy for 30 seconds and then returning him.

Soon, her son started offering Teddy to others—on his own terms, of course.

The Big Picture

Teaching toddlers to share is less about toys and more about life lessons.

It’s about raising a kind, compassionate little human who knows how to connect with others.

So the next time your toddler screams, “MINE!”—take a deep breath.

Remember, you’re not just teaching toddler to sharing.

You’re teaching empathy, patience, and kindness.