Children don’t consider sharing as a natural instinct – we all know how hard it can get to let your child share their toy with their little siblings!

However, if you want a healthy, functioning family unit, you need to make sure your children are also in it; your children must be willing to share more than just their belongings – their space, their time, even their affections. It’s a vital skill that will help them maintain relationships in the future.

Here’s how you can teach them the art of sharing:

Show The Good Side

Children will tend to do tasks that are fulfilling or satisfying for them. So, show your child how good of an act sharing is; how it makes everyone involved feel happy. As soon as they associate sharing with good feelings, they’ll start adopting it faster.

Another way of showing your child the positive side of sharing is by pointing it out in others; for example, if you see their friend share their colour pencils with your child, say things like, “Look at how your friend just shared with you – that was kind of him!”

Praise The Simple Act

There’s no doubt in the fact that children do things they feel good about. That’s why praising them for sharing is a great way to encourage the habit even further. Even if it’s simply them sharing their toys with their siblings, take every opportunity to show your child how that was a great choice on their part.

Such a tactic not only builds the habit of sharing in children from an early age, but also builds their self-confidence – which in itself can do wonders.

Model Similar Behaviour

Children learn the most basic – yet most valuable – lessons directly from their parents. It’s the best opportunity for you to teach your child the simple act of sharing through first-hand experience.

Whenever you get the chance, share with your family members, and with your child too. Tell them why you did it – because it helps others (and you!) feel happy. Of course, let them know that they have the choice to not share specific items; but at the same time, keep them open to the idea that sharing simpler things, like old toys or stationary items, won’t hurt anybody.

Pretend Play!

Every child loves a bit of pretend play – so why not make it a fun learning opportunity?

Play out scenarios with your little one, where you two have to share stuff, like building blocks, stuffed toys and the like. Word out your actions, so that your child knows what’s happening – for example, say things like, “I need those green Legos, and you need my red Legos – let’s share!” This kind of step-by-step approach to sharing helps children learn how to adopt the habit themselves, and apply it in real-life scenarios.


As much as parents can help teach children how to share, teachers can take it a step further. Nurseries in Jumeirah Park do a great job at providing children a constructive environment – especially Oakfield Early Learning Centre. Through interactive group activities and fun classes, children get to share and experience the benefits of sharing all at once.

Just because sharing might not be a natural concept to them, doesn’t mean it can’t be taught!