{"id":4227,"date":"2012-03-14T06:00:25","date_gmt":"2012-03-14T10:00:25","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/candostreet.com\/blog-parents\/?p=4227"},"modified":"2012-03-09T17:17:20","modified_gmt":"2012-03-09T22:17:20","slug":"how-to-teach-the-importance-of-sharing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/candostreetny.com\/blog-parents\/how-to-teach-the-importance-of-sharing\/","title":{"rendered":"Guest Share"},"content":{"rendered":"

From time to time, “Can Do” Street features a guest post by someone who provides a service or product that might be of interest to parents and teachers of children 3-7 years of age.<\/p>\n

We do not endorse or recommend, we just share information.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h1>\n

We welcome guest posts from parents, teachers and professionals who work with young children and their families. We also will feature guest posts from book companies and others wanting to provide sample products at no cost to our readers.<\/p>\n

\"share\"<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

The following guest share is by Sara Dawkins, an active nanny as well as an active freelance writer. She is a frequent contributor of nanny service<\/span><\/a><\/span>. She can be reached at saradawkins61ATgmail.com<\/strong>.<\/em><\/span><\/h2>\n

 <\/p>\n

How to Teach the Importance of Sharing<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s always a big debate when you\u2019re trying to decide if you\u2019re going to hire a nanny to watch over your child or if you\u2019re going to place them in a daycare setting. Each option has distinct advantages and disadvantages, especially the different character traits your child will learn.<\/p>\n

Having a nanny watch your children gives parents more flexibility with work schedules and a certain piece of mind knowing that your child isn\u2019t being exposed to different illnesses and bad behavior.<\/p>\n

However being a nanny you realize quickly that because the child you\u2019re watching isn\u2019t surrounded by other kids their age that it\u2019s important to teach them as soon as possible how important the act of sharing is.<\/p>\n

The trick to teaching kids how to share is to make it fun!<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/h3>\n

1. <\/strong>Share constantly<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Get out two different toys and give one to the child and keep the other one for yourself. After playing with them for a little while ask if they want to play with the one you have.<\/p>\n

If you go out for ice cream get a different flavor than they do and then ask if they want to try a bite of yours. Go out of your way to share with them whenever you can so that they learn that this is good behavior to mimic.<\/p>\n

<\/strong>2. Express appreciation<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

Whenever the child swaps a toy with you express gratitude for their selfless sharing, even if you prompted them to share something. Getting them to understand how rewarding it is to share things with other people will help them want to continue to share.<\/p>\n

3. Compliment frequently<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

Anytime they share something with you, even if it\u2019s only a story or they just want to show you what they have, compliment them on their wonderful ability to share. Try to use the word \u201cshare\u201d somewhere in the compliment so that they associate the behavior with the act of sharing.<\/p>\n

As soon as their parents get home each night compliment the child\u2019s sharing to them also. Reinforce good behavior as often as possible.<\/strong><\/p>\n

4. Donate old toys<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong>Coordinate with the parents a day that you can take them to donate old toys. As they begin to outgrow certain toys or books start collecting them and then take the kids to a place that accepts donations. Having them go with you will give you a chance to show them that their old toys will become someone\u2019s new toys. You can talk to them about how other kids may not be as fortunate as they are, and explain to them how they\u2019re helping these children by sharing their stuff. <\/strong><\/p>\n

5. Pick certain toys to share<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

When friends are coming over to play let the child pick out a few toys that they can put away and then let them know that all of their other toys have to be shared with friends. This will help them feel like they\u2019re not giving up everything to others. <\/strong><\/p>\n

Being in a role model position gives the perfect opportunity to teach young children the act of sharing. The younger you start teaching kids about sharing, the better, and it\u2019s important for parents and nannies to work together as a team to teach the children about sharing.<\/p>\n

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