How do I encourage sharing toys between my 2 y/o son and 11 m/o daughter?

Question

Of course it's my son. On occassions he's nice, but for the most part, he takes everything from her and says NO and holds it up high. Sometimes he will even take things out of her hands. I know this is normal behavior, but I feel like more and more I am being called from whatever I'm doing to stop the yelling.

What tips can anyone out there give me to get through this phase (will it even ever end? LOL!)

Let me tell you what I've done: I let him have his "cars and trucks" and kept those off limits from my daughter; and encouraged him to share everything else - my thinking: so that he has *some* control over his toys. BTW - she does have hand-me down toys and new toys of her own.

Answer 1

It's really hard to share! A lot of parents expect their child to share but do you? Would you loan your neighbor your new car or favorite dress? What if your husband forced you to? How would you feel? It's essentially the same thing for children when it comes to their prized possessions. They don't want to share them either! If you force your child to share, it will only cause resentment and anger. Sharing is something that should come from the heart. I'm a preschool teacher and in my classroom this is what works. A child can use something for as long as they want. When they put it away another child can use it. The children understand the ways of our classroom and accept this. You can talk to your older child in ways so that they can see their sibling’s point of view. "It looks like Emma really likes your toy. I bet she would like to play with it too. Maybe when you're finished she can play with it." These words may help your child empathize with their sibling and they may share. Have your child pick out some things that they are willing to share and put away the things they do not want to share. Remember not to force it. Let it come from the heart. Good luck!

Answer 2

Don't create stereotypes on your kids this early. Your daughter and son can play with all the toys they have and share them. When your son starts behaving a little selfish, sit him down and talk to him. Tell him that he needs to share with his sister and that if both of them can't play with something, then, you'll take it away and no one will be able to play with it. When you take a toy away, make sure you keep it away for a good while, like a couple of days, so that he knows you mean business. He's old enough now to undertand when you talk to him, and even if he pretends not to understand, don't give up, as the more you do it, the more he learns. I have a 3 yr old daughter and babysit another 3 yr. old and this works great for me. Good luck.

Answer 3

Toddlers don't understand sharing and that not sharing hurts other. Keep consistent and take the toy back from him and give it to his sister. As with all toddler behaviors, you will have to do this a lot before it sinks in.

Answer 4

This is difficult, usually kids don't want to play with a toy unless it looks like someone else is enjoying it. Buy her some trucks and cars also, then he will still have his and little girls like to roll trucks and cars too. Buy her pinks ones. Then explain to him that those are for girls...because they are pink!!

Answer 5

Your son is going thru his terrible twos and I am sorry but he will be very posessive.......Give your daughter girl toys and tell your son that you don't want to play with dolls ...Good Luck..