When your little one picks up toys that other kids are using, it can sometimes make playdates a bit tricky for everyone.
Experts in child development point out that children under 3 years old haven't fully developed the brain skills needed for genuine sharing. Toddlers tend to think of everything as "mine" because they are still figuring out who they are.
Here are some realistic expectations to keep in mind:
Sharing typically starts to take shape between the ages of 3 and 4, not before
Toddlers should practice taking turns first
It's better to avoid forcing sharing, as it often leads to more resistance
A good approach is to demonstrate sharing through your own actions
Instead of insisting on immediate sharing, try using timers for turn-taking. For example, you can say, "You can have the truck for 3 minutes, and then it will be Sam's turn." This way, your toddler learns about waiting without feeling pressured to give up what they're playing with.
When planning playdates, consider putting away special toys that your toddler is not keen on sharing. It's a good idea to have extra copies of their favorite toys on hand. Also, you can set up activities where the kids can play together next to each other without having to share everything.
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Calm Toddler Hacks provided by Chilkibo Publishing, helping families find their calm with trusted strategies.