Whose Turn Is It?
Here's What To Do
Play a pretend game with your child about sharing toys. You can play this game with more than one child to make it more “real.”
Choose a toy that your child enjoys playing with, and tell them that it’s yours.
When your child disagrees, tell them that you’d like to play with it too, and see if they can find a solution to letting you both enjoy the toy. Prompt them with ideas like taking turns or sharing.
Practice taking turns playing with the toy; acknowledging your child for their willingness to share.
Keep the praise coming when you see your child sharing or taking turns in real life with their siblings and friends.
Put PEER Into Action
Pause:
- Sit in the living room together. Together take three deep breaths.
Engage:
- "How do you feel when someone wants the same toy as you?"
- "What are some ways we can solve a problem like this?"
Encourage:
- "I like how you thought of ways to solve the problem!"
- "It’s okay if it’s hard. The more we practice, the easier it gets!"
Reflect:
- "How did it feel to solve the problem together?"
Not quite ready?
Start by modeling the words yourself and let your child copy you before trying on their own.
Ready for more?
Use real-life moments when your child disagrees with a friend or sibling to guide them in problem-solving.
As your child masters this skill...
They will be able to identify appropriate solutions to social problems.