Two children want the same toy. One holds on tightly while the other reaches for it. Sharing asks children to manage desire, waiting, communication, and another person’s perspective. These skills need adult guidance and practice.
Start by describing the situation without assigning blame: “You both want the truck. She is using it now.” Help the waiting child ask for a turn or choose something else. A child who is using a material can also learn to tell someone when they are finished.
Practice turn-taking in relaxed activities with an adult: roll a ball back and forth, add blocks to a tower, or take turns stirring while preparing food. Keep the wait short enough for your child to manage. If a shared activity keeps leading to distress, simplify it or take a break.
Some belongings can remain personal. Before a playdate, put away a treasured item your child is not ready to share and choose toys available for group play. The goal is to help children experience fair, supported interaction rather than make every possession available on demand. At school and home, clear limits and respectful words help children learn.
Try this at home
Roll a ball together
Sit close and roll a large, age-appropriate ball back and forth. Say, “Your turn,” and “My turn,” while showing the action. Keep turns brief and stop while the game is pleasant. A very young child may need help noticing when the ball returns.
Build one shared project
Use large blocks and take turns adding one piece. If waiting becomes difficult, give each person a small pile and build side by side instead. Playing near someone comfortably can be a useful step toward working together.
Rehearse a request
During pretend play, ask a toy character, “Can I use it when you’re done?” Model the answer, “I’m using it now; I’ll tell you when I finish.” For a child who is not speaking yet, practice an appropriate gesture with adult support.
Prepare before visitors arrive
Let your child choose a few personal treasures to put away. Set out materials for shared play and, when possible, more than one popular item. Stay close enough to guide a conflict: “I won’t let you grab. You can wait with me or choose this.”
A small plan for this week
Repeat one enjoyable turn-taking game. Notice whether your child waits briefly, signals a request, or returns an item. Those small actions matter more than sharing every object without help.
Reminders as you begin
- Model “Can I have a turn when you are finished?”
- Practice brief turns during an enjoyable game.
- Help both children rather than focusing only on the one who protested.
Choose one idea to try this week. If you would like help adapting it to your child, ask your teacher or Mi Casita administration in person.
Keep Learning
Teaching Kindness and Handling Small Conflicts
Helping Children Through Big Feelings and Transitions
Further reading: American Academy of Pediatrics.