Sharing, Turn-Taking and Playing With Peers (Copy)
Sharing, Turn-Taking and Playing With Peers
Social skills are an essential part of your child’s growth, especially during the preschool and early elementary years. Three of the most important skills children begin practicing in early childhood are sharing, turn-taking, and playing with peers. These skills don’t develop overnight, but with guidance, patience, and opportunities for practice, children can learn how to connect with others in positive and rewarding ways.
Sharing: Learning to Give and Receive
Sharing is one of the first social skills children encounter, though it can be a challenging concept at first. Young children are naturally focused on their own needs and belongings, so giving up a toy or snack may feel difficult. Parents can encourage sharing by modeling it in everyday life. For example: “Here, you can use my pen, and then I’ll take it back when you’re done” - and praising their child when they share willingly. Setting up playtimes with toys that can be used together (blocks, art supplies, or puzzles) also helps children see that sharing often makes play more fun.
Quick Tips for Teaching a Child to Share:
Model sharing: Let your child see you share items with family or friends and talk about what you’re doing.
Praise generously: Point out and celebrate when your child shares, even in small ways (“That was kind of you to let your sister use your crayon”).
Use shareable toys: Choose games or activities where pieces can be divided or used together (blocks, art supplies, puzzles).
Set clear expectations: Before playdates, remind your child: “Some toys are for everyone to use today.”
Practice with everyday items: Share snacks, tools, or books at home so your child learns that giving doesn’t mean losing.
Turn-Taking: Practicing Patience and Fairness
Turn-taking goes hand-in-hand with sharing, but it emphasizes patience and fairness. Whether waiting for a swing at the park, a chance to roll the dice in a board game, or time with a favorite toy, children learn that everyone gets a chance. Parents can reinforce turn-taking with simple games like rolling a ball back and forth, where the “my turn, your turn” rhythm becomes clear. Narrating the process - “It’s your turn now, and then it will be mine” - helps children build the language and understanding to manage these moments without frustration.
Quick Tips for Teaching a Child How to Take Turns
Start with simple games: Play rolling a ball back and forth or stacking blocks, using phrases like “My turn, your turn.”
Narrate turns: Use clear language so your child hears the pattern (“It’s your brother’s turn now; your turn is next”).
Use timers: For tricky situations, set a short timer so everyone knows when it’s time to switch.
Keep it short: For younger children, keep turn-waiting times brief so frustration doesn’t build.
Praise patience: Notice and celebrate when your child waits calmly: “I saw you waiting for your turn—great job!”
Playing With Peers: Building Friendships and Cooperation
Playing with peers is where sharing and turn-taking come to life. Through play, children learn how to negotiate roles (“You be the teacher, I’ll be the student”), solve conflicts, and enjoy being part of a group. Encourage playdates or small group activities where your child can explore these skills in a safe environment. Parents can support by observing from a distance, stepping in only when necessary, and guiding children through disagreements with simple strategies like offering choices or suggesting a new game everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
By supporting your child in sharing, turn-taking, and playing with peers, you are helping them build the foundation for empathy, cooperation, and friendship. These skills are not just for the playground—they will serve your child in school, at home, and throughout their life as they grow into caring, considerate individuals.
Quick Tips for Encouraging Playing With Others
Set up playdates: Provide opportunities for small group play in safe, familiar settings.
Offer open-ended toys: Blocks, pretend play sets, or dress-up clothes encourage cooperative play.
Teach conflict resolution words: Model simple phrases like “Can I have a turn?” or “Let’s do it together.”
Step back, but be nearby: Let children try solving small disagreements while staying close to guide if needed.
Celebrate teamwork: Point out when children work well together (“You both built that tower together—it looks amazing!”).
View and download our helpful Kindergarten Readiness Checklist.
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