Lesson 4: Share and Take Turns
Quote: The more we share the more we have!
Statement: Sharing and taking turns The significance of this skills is in reframing of thinking and helping children to realise that although being selfish may give short-term gratification, considering others and being generous to them builds long-term bridges of reconciliation. Planting seeds of generosity and sharing not only benefits those your child lives with, but is also helpful for their own mental health.
Research: Many social scientists agree that there is a big gap between children knowing that sharing and taking turns is a good idea and the actual act of doing it. Post-Doctoral Student Craig Smith, from the University of Michigan’s Department of Psychology, found that older children were more likely to share and take turns, whilst children under 7 have difficulties sharing but with a little maturation and some prefrontal development they’ll get there.
Tips to teach this skill at home:
1. Have children reflect on how they feel when someone shares with them and when someone does not share with them.
2. Play board or outside games and praise their efforts to share and take turns.
3. With your child, visit the BRIDGE BUILDERS® Online Learning Program Lesson Four and do some of the fun activities as a family. Validating this learning empowers your child with valuable skills to learn how to; Share and Take Turns and be empowered for life!
By Jocelyne Chirnside
Empowering Life Skills