Learning to share and take turns is an important part of childhood development. These skills help children build friendships, develop patience, and understand the value of cooperation. However, many young children struggle with sharing because they are still learning about empathy, fairness, and self-control.
In this article, we’ll explore fun and practical ways to teach children how to share and take turns in a natural and engaging way.
1. Why Sharing and Taking Turns Matter
Helping children understand sharing and turn-taking builds important social and emotional skills:
✅ Encourages empathy – Children learn to consider the feelings of others.
✅ Improves social interactions – Builds strong friendships and teamwork skills.
✅ Teaches patience and self-control – Helps children manage their emotions while waiting.
✅ Reduces conflicts – Fewer arguments over toys and activities.
Children develop these skills gradually, and with the right encouragement, they can learn to share joyfully.
2. Lead by Example
Children learn by observing adults. Show them how to share in everyday situations:
👩🍳 Share food – “Would you like some of my apple?”
📚 Take turns reading a book – “I’ll read a page, then it’s your turn!”
🎲 Model turn-taking in games – “Now it’s my turn to roll the dice, and then it’s yours.”
When children see sharing in action, they are more likely to imitate the behavior.
3. Use Positive Language
Instead of saying “You have to share!”, try:
✔️ “Let’s take turns so everyone gets a chance.”
✔️ “When you’re done, can your friend have a turn?”
✔️ “Sharing makes playtime more fun for everyone!”
Using gentle and encouraging language makes sharing feel like a choice rather than a demand.
4. Play Games That Encourage Turn-Taking
Games that naturally involve taking turns help children practice patience and fairness.
🎲 Board Games – Games like Candy Land, Uno, or Snakes and Ladders teach children to wait for their turn.
🧩 Building Together – Taking turns adding blocks to a tower teaches cooperation.
🎭 Pretend Play – Role-playing as a doctor, chef, or store owner teaches sharing through interactive play.
Making sharing part of playtime makes it more enjoyable and meaningful.
5. Encourage Teamwork Activities
Group activities help children see that sharing and turn-taking lead to success. Try:
🎨 Collaborative Art Projects – Have children share markers and take turns adding to a big drawing.
🏗 Building Challenges – Work together to build a LEGO tower or a puzzle.
⚽ Sports and Outdoor Games – Passing a ball back and forth teaches cooperation.
These activities reinforce the idea that working together is fun and rewarding.
6. Praise and Reward Sharing Behavior
When a child shares or takes turns, recognize and celebrate it:
🌟 “You shared your toy so nicely! That was very kind.”
🌟 “I love how you waited patiently for your turn. Great job!”
🌟 “Look how happy your friend is because you shared!”
Positive reinforcement encourages children to repeat the behavior.
7. Introduce a Sharing Timer
If children have trouble sharing a favorite toy, use a timer:
⏳ Set a 2–3 minute timer and say, “When the timer rings, it’s your friend’s turn.”
⏳ Encourage them to say, “Here you go! Now it’s your turn.”
⏳ If they resist, remind them, “After your friend is done, you can play again.”
Timers create structure and fairness, making it easier for children to accept turn-taking.
8. Read Books About Sharing
Stories help children understand emotions and social skills. Some great books about sharing include:
📖 Llama Llama Time to Share – A fun story about learning to share toys.
📖 The Rainbow Fish – Teaches the joy of sharing with others.
📖 Should I Share My Ice Cream? – A silly and thoughtful story about decision-making.
After reading, discuss the story:
❓ “Why do you think sharing made the character happy?”
❓ “How did the other characters feel when they got a turn?”
Books make learning about sharing more engaging and relatable.
9. Be Patient and Allow Growth
Young children don’t learn sharing overnight. They might resist at first, but that’s normal!
❌ Avoid forcing them to share, which can create frustration.
✅ Instead, gently guide them by modeling, encouraging, and reinforcing positive behavior.
With consistent support, children will gradually learn to share willingly and happily.