Why Is Sharing Important?

Learning to share is an important part of a child's social and emotional development. While sharing doesn't always come naturally, it is a skill that develops over time through guidance, patience and plenty of practice.

As children learn to share, they also learn empathy, cooperation, communication and problem-solving—skills that will support them throughout their lives.

Children Learn by Watching

One of the best ways to teach sharing is by modelling it yourself.

Children notice the way adults interact with others. Simple everyday moments, like sharing your lunch, taking turns, or helping someone, show children that sharing is a positive and caring behaviour.

Talking about these moments can also help. For example, "Would you like to share this apple with me?" or "It feels nice when we share with each other."

Sharing and Taking Turns Go Together

Young children often find taking turns just as challenging as sharing.

Playing simple board games, completing puzzles together or creating artwork with shared materials gives children opportunities to practise waiting, cooperating and being patient.

These everyday experiences help children understand that everyone gets a turn and that sharing can make play more enjoyable.

Books Help Build Understanding

Stories are a wonderful way to explore kindness, friendship and sharing.

Children often relate to storybook characters and can see how sharing helps solve problems and build friendships. Reading together also creates opportunities to talk about feelings and discuss what children might do in similar situations.

Encourage Problem Solving

It's tempting to step in straight away when children argue over a toy, but these moments are valuable learning opportunities.

Instead of solving the problem for them, encourage children to think of a solution together.

You might ask:

• "I noticed Sam had the truck first. What could we do?"

• "How can we make sure everyone gets a turn?"

• "What do you think would be fair?"

Supporting children to solve problems helps build independence, confidence and negotiation skills.

It's Okay Not to Share Everything

While sharing is important, children also need to know that it's okay to have special belongings they don't want others to use.

Before friends visit, encourage your child to put away treasured toys that they would prefer to keep for themselves. This helps avoid conflict and teaches children that sharing should be encouraged—not forced.

Praise the Effort

When children make the choice to share, acknowledge their effort.

Simple comments such as:

• "That was very kind of you."

• "I noticed you let your friend have a turn."

• "You made your friend feel happy by sharing."

Positive encouragement helps children feel proud of their actions and encourages them to continue developing these important social skills.

If your child finds sharing difficult, remember that this is a normal part of development. Avoid labelling them as "selfish" or punishing them for struggling. Instead, continue to model sharing, offer gentle guidance and celebrate small successes.

Growing Together Through Play

At Gubi Gabun, we understand that learning to share takes time. Through play-based experiences, children have daily opportunities to practise sharing, taking turns, solving problems and building friendships.

By supporting children with patience, encouragement and positive role modelling, we help them develop the confidence and social skills they need to become kind, respectful and caring members of their community.