If you’ve ever watched two little ones grapple over a toy truck, you’ll know that sharing doesn’t always come naturally. But here’s the good news: sharing and turn-taking are skills that can be learned - and the toddler (1–3 years) and preschool/kindergarten (3–5 years) years are the perfect time to start.
At Milestones Early Learning, we know that learning to share isn’t about giving something up - it’s about building relationships, developing empathy, and learning how to play and grow together. Here’s how you can support your child at home as they build these important social skills - and how our educators gently guide children to practise them every day.
Why Sharing Feels So Hard for Young Children
Toddlers are still learning that other people have thoughts and feelings separate from their own. They live very much in the now and in the “mine!” - which makes sharing tricky.
Preschoolers, whether they’re in a preschool or kindergarten program, are just beginning to understand ideas like fairness, patience, and friendship. But that doesn’t mean they’ll happily hand over their favourite toy. With time, routine, and gentle guidance, children gradually learn to take turns, wait patiently, and show kindness to others.
If you’re raising children in both age groups, you’ll know that each one learns these skills differently - and that’s okay. Some days might feel like a constant referee job, but you're laying the groundwork for emotional growth that will serve your children for life.
Age-Appropriate Ways to Teach Sharing and Turn-Taking
1. Start With Parallel Play
Before expecting your toddler to share, encourage side-by-side play. This allows them to observe and play near others without the pressure of handing things over. Try saying, “You’re both playing with blocks - how fun to build next to each other!”
2. Use the Language of Sharing
Narrate what’s happening and model the words your child can use:
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“It’s your turn with the red truck now. Then it’ll be Charlie’s turn.”
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“Would you like to choose something to share with your friend?”
3. Try a Visual Timer
Older children respond well to timers. Let them know:
“We’ll set the timer, and when it rings, it’s your friend’s turn with the puzzle.”
This gives them time to adjust and teaches fairness and routine.
4. Praise Generosity When You See It
Celebrate moments of kindness:
“You shared your crayons with Ella - that was so thoughtful!”
Positive reinforcement helps build confidence and encourages repeat behaviour.
5. Read Books About Sharing
Storytime can be a powerful way to explore social themes. Try titles like:
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Llama Llama Time to Share by Anna Dewdney
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Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems
These stories help children connect with big feelings in a playful, accessible way.
How Our Educators Support Sharing at Milestones
At Milestones, our educators create environments where sharing and turn-taking happen naturally through play. Whether it’s group games, creative activities, or mealtimes, children are supported to practise empathy, cooperation, and patience every day.
Our Lifelong Learning Curriculum - Australia’s most advanced approach to early education - includes a strong focus on social and emotional development. From toddlerhood to preschool, children are gently coached to recognise their own feelings, understand others, and become confident members of a group.
Keep It Light, Keep It Consistent
Like any big life skill, learning to share takes time. There will be tantrums, resistance, and plenty of “mine!” moments - but that’s all part of the journey. The most important thing you can do is stay calm, model kindness, and keep gently guiding your child as they learn.
Over time, your child will begin to see that sharing doesn’t mean losing something - it means playing together, building friendships, and being part of something bigger than themselves.
Looking for Childcare That Supports Social Skills Like Sharing?
Milestones Early Learning centres are located across Australia, including in communities like Wagga Wagga, Point Cook, Baulkham Hills, and Forest Lake. Our warm, welcoming environments and passionate educators help children feel safe, supported, and ready to thrive.
Final Thought
Sharing is more than handing over a toy - it’s one of the first steps toward empathy, friendship, and emotional intelligence. And with the right support, your little one will get there - one gentle turn at a time.