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How to Deal with Your Child Who Refuses to Share

As parents, it is vital for you to take every plausible course of action in assuring that your children grow up to be well-rounded and healthy adults.

Entrusting your children’s education to the best international schools in Manila is just one of the many things that you can do in order to uphold their development. However, it would be advisable for you to also instill the proper conduct in your home.

If you currently find yourself disheartened each time your child shows difficulty in sharing with others—whether she is reluctant to let others touch her belongings or outright telling them that they can’t have them—then relax. Don’t fret—this is only normal.

Whether your child is studying in one of the traditional or progressive schools in Manila, this is a common issue that a lot of parents need to grapple and work with.

The truth is sharing does not come naturally to all children. It is something that can take time to cultivate, primarily because the younger kids tend to think that the world gravitates towards them. As a result, they find it challenging to share what they feel is theirs.

Continue reading below and explore some of the ways on how you could deal with a child who refuses to share.

 

Understanding Selfishness and Empathy

Don’t make the mistake of forcing a child to share. This is because she believes she has a substantial reason for her not to do so. Instead, create an environment that encourages an attitude that will make her want to share.

There is indeed power in possession. To adults, they may just seem like toys, but for your child, they are valuable and prized possessions.

The power to possess is something that is natural to a child’s growing awareness; aside from people, children also develop attachments to things.

More than that, empathy is also something that does not come naturally to them until the age of 6, which may lead them to only think about themselves and not take into consideration the other children involved.

For children ages 7 and up, cultivating this value is also essential. Take advantage of the fact that they already understand it in order to foster their desire to share their belongings with others.

 

Teaching by Example

It is clear that children love imitating what adults do—so it goes without saying that a foolproof technique to teach your child about sharing is for you to exhibit some examples yourself but make sure to involve the entire household in this endeavor.

When it is clearly observed by your child that everyone around her offers to share their food and other possessions, then your child will begin to grow comfortable and feel a sense of ‘home’ with the notion of sharing.

Eventually, this will come naturally to her, leading her to extend the same conduct when interacting with other children.

 

Positive Reinforcement

When it is apparent that your child positively responds to your attempts at teaching her to share, acknowledge her efforts and share sentiments such as “Thank you for sharing your toy with me, I am really enjoying playing with it.” Always remember to utilize the word “share.”

The same principle applies when she is playing with other kids. If you notice that your child shares something with another kid, praise her for her actions. This will, in turn, make her feel good about herself, which will ultimately inspire her to continue sharing with others.

 

Key Takeaway

You place absolute trust in the best international schools in Manila to guarantee your child’s overall development and growth.

Aside from the approaches touched on in this article, you can also consult with the teachers in her school if you are having trouble with your child’s behavior in sharing.

Keep in mind that it is normal for many children in both traditional and progressive schools in Manila to have difficulties in sharing. But by following the tips listed above, you should be able to make some progress, eventually changing her attitude about it.

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