Should children be forced to share?

Image by @Gary Bendig by Unsplash

The concept of sharing is one of the earliest lessons that parents teach their children. Most parents strive to cultivate a spirit of giving in their children, teaching them to share toys, food, and attention with siblings and peers. While encouraging children to share is important to their development, it is also important to understand when children should be expected to share and when it is appropriate to ask them to do so.

When it comes to young children, some parents believe in the idea of “forced sharing.” This is when a parent requires their child to share, regardless of how they are feeling or what their opinion is on the matter. However, this idea may not be the best approach when it comes to teaching children about sharing. The reality is that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The ability to share and the level of readiness to do so can vary greatly from child to child, and even from day to day. In addition, a child’s developmental stage will also play a role in their willingness to share.

In the early years of a child’s life, they are still learning the basics of socialising and understanding the concept of ownership. At this age, children are just beginning to understand the idea that something can be owned by one person and that it is not necessary to share everything. It is important to remember that young children may not be able to fully grasp the concept of sharing and that it may take time for them to understand why it is important.

As a child grows, their understanding of sharing develops as well. Toddlers and preschoolers may be more willing to share, but they may struggle to understand the concept. For example, a young child may be willing to share a toy but may not understand why it is important to do so. At this age, it is important for parents to encourage their children to share, but to also be patient with them as they learn the concept.

In elementary school, children have a better understanding of sharing, but they may still struggle to do so. At this age, children may be more prone to arguments over what they perceive to be “theirs.” It is important for parents to be patient with their children, and to explain the importance of sharing with others.

Additionally, parents should provide their children with positive reinforcement when they do share, as this can help to encourage them to continue to do so. As children progress through middle school and high school, their understanding of sharing continues to grow. At this age, children are more likely to be willing to share, as they have a better understanding of why it is important to do so. However, they may still struggle with the concept at times, particularly if they feel they are not being treated fairly. As with younger children, it is important for parents to be patient and to provide positive reinforcement when their children do share.

In conclusion, it is important to remember that children learn to share at different ages and at different stages of development. It is also important to remember that children may not always be willing to share, and that forcing them to do so may not be the best approach. Rather, parents should strive to teach their children the importance of sharing, and provide them with positive reinforcement when they do share.

Stephanie Mace

Educational and Developmental Psychologist