Simple Ways to Encourage Sharing at Home

At The Little Nest Playschool, we know that learning to share is an important part of growing up. Sharing helps children build social skills, cooperation, and empathy — but it doesn’t always come naturally. Fortunately, there are simple ways parents can encourage sharing at home.

One of the easiest strategies is modeling sharing yourself. When children see adults taking turns, offering items, or letting others have a choice, they learn by example. For instance, offering a sibling a toy or sharing a snack shows children what sharing looks like in real life.

Another helpful approach is praising efforts to share. Even if a child hesitates or only shares for a moment, acknowledging their effort with words like, “I love how you let your friend have a turn” encourages them to try again. Positive reinforcement helps children associate sharing with feeling good and being appreciated.

You can also make sharing fun and structured. Playing simple games where children take turns, or setting up activities that require teamwork, teaches children to wait and cooperate. Start with short activities and gradually increase time and complexity as children become more comfortable sharing.

Finally, remember that patience is key. Young children are still learning how to manage their feelings and belongings. Encouraging sharing is a process, and small steps matter.

At The Little Nest Playschool, we focus on creating a supportive environment that fosters kindness, cooperation, and respect. By practicing sharing at home, children reinforce these skills and build confidence in social situations.