Teaching children to share and play nicely together
Sharing and playing nicely with others is an essential social skill for children to develop. It helps them to build positive relationships with their peers and lays the foundation for future cooperation and teamwork. However, some children may struggle with sharing and playing nicely with others, and it is up to parents, caregivers, and educators to teach them how to do so.
Model good behaviour
One of the first steps in teaching a child to share and play nicely together is to model good behaviour. Children learn by observing the actions and behaviours of those around them, so it is essential to show them what sharing and playing nicely look like. This can include taking turns, offering toys or snacks to others, and being kind and respectful in our interactions.
Set clear expectations
Another helpful strategy is to set clear expectations and boundaries around sharing and playing nicely. This can involve creating rules for sharing toys, taking turns, and being kind to others. By providing clear guidelines, children know what is expected of them and can work to meet those expectations.
Words of encouragement
Encouraging children to use language to express their feelings can also be helpful. For example, when a child is upset about sharing a toy, parents can encourage them to say how they feel and work with them to find a solution. This can help children to feel heard and understood and can also help them to develop problem-solving skills.
Showing empathy
Parents and caregivers can also help children to build empathy by talking about the feelings of others. For example, when a child is being unkind or refusing to share, adults can talk about how that behaviour might make others feel. By helping children understand their actions’ impact on others, they can develop a greater sense of empathy and compassion.
Reinforcing positive behaviour
Finally, praising and reinforcing positive behaviour when children share and play nicely is essential. Positive reinforcement can include verbal praise, high-fives, or small rewards such as stickers or treats. By recognizing and reinforcing positive behaviour, children are more likely to repeat it in the future.
At ChallengerPublicschool, Wakad children are taught to share and play nicely together which is an integral part of their social and emotional development. By modelling good behaviour, setting clear expectations and boundaries, encouraging the use of language to express feelings, building empathy, and reinforcing positive behaviour, parents and caregivers can help children to develop the skills they need to build positive relationships and work well with others. With patience, consistency, and support, children can learn to share and play nicely with their peers, setting them up for success in the years to come.
