Here’s the thing: They are supposed to be!

Toddlers don’t understand the concept of sharing. “Most” toddlers develop sharing between 3.5-4 years of age.

Sharing is hard for toddlers because it involves thinking about someone else’s feelings, wants, and needs and they haven’t developed the ability to do that just yet.

Sharing requires skills like empathy, cooperation, and patience which develop over time.

Self-centredness in toddlerhood is a normal developmental stage, so there’s absolutely nothing wrong with your toddler and no they won’t grow up selfish.

How do we help toddlers learn to share?

• Okay, the feelings “you’re mad that Archie took the truck” and “you weren’t done yet”.
• Encourage children to ask for a turn, they can say “please” or “can I have a turn when you’re finished”.
• Teach your children to say “you can play with it when I am finished”.
• Acknowledge your child when they are generous “it was kind of you to share the Lego with Charolette”.
• Model sharing “I see you reaching for my blueberries. Here, I’ll share some with you” or “let’s share this playdough that I have here.”

Image source: Google