How to Help Toddlers and Preschoolers Learn to Share

“Mine!” Young children love that word — and parents hear it more often than they’d like. Sharing doesn’t come naturally to little ones — and that’s okay. It’s a skill, just like walking or talking, and it takes time.

The good news? There are simple ways to help toddlers and preschoolers learn to share without turning it into a battle. Here are three simple approaches that work beautifully:

1. Model Sharing Yourself: Children learn by watching. When you say, “Let’s share this blanket” or “Here, have a bite of my apple,” you show them what generosity looks like. Small, everyday examples matter more than big lectures.

2. Use Books and Stories: Stories are a safe way for children to see sharing in action. In Kedi & Jake, Jake offers love and kindness to his furry friend. Reading about kind characters helps kids imagine how they might share in their own world — with a toy, a snack, or a hug.

3. Praise the Effort, Not Just the Result: When your child tries to share, celebrate it! Even if it doesn’t go perfectly, say something like, “I love how you gave your friend a turn” or “That was kind of you to offer.” Encouragement makes it more likely they’ll try again.

Remember, toddlers are still learning self-control. It is normal for them to cling to “their” things. Sharing should never feel like losing — it should feel like connecting. And with patience, guidance, and lots of love, they’ll get there.

Every toy shared today is a step toward empathy tomorrow.

How to Help Toddlers and Preschoolers Learn to Share