By Siyona Varghese
At the age of three, children are beginning to understand the world around them in new ways. Their cognitive, social, and emotional development is rapidly progressing, and they start to make sense of relationships, rules, and the importance of working with others. One of the most essential skills a three-year-old can learn is cooperation, particularly sharing. Sharing is not just about giving up toys or belongings; it’s about understanding empathy, respect, and collaboration. It’s the foundation for healthy relationships and positive social interactions.
Teaching cooperation at this age can be both challenging and rewarding. Children are naturally egocentric at three years old, meaning they see the world primarily from their own perspective. This can make sharing difficult, as they don’t yet fully understand the idea of taking turns or considering the feelings of others. However, with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, children can learn how to share and cooperate with others, setting them up for future success in their social environments.
Why Cooperation Skills Matter
Cooperation skills are critical for a child’s emotional and social development. As children begin to engage with peers outside their immediate family, they learn about concepts such as fairness, empathy, and mutual respect. They also begin to grasp the idea that people have different needs and desires, and that these can sometimes conflict with their own. By teaching cooperation at an early age, we equip children with the tools they need to navigate these situations in a healthy, respectful way.
Sharing and cooperation also help children develop better communication skills. Rather than acting impulsively or relying on physical gestures like grabbing, children learn to use words to express their feelings, negotiate, and solve conflicts. These early communication skills are crucial for later relationships with family, friends, and teachers.
Tips for Teaching Cooperation to Three-Year-Olds
Model Cooperative Behavior
The best way to teach children about sharing is by showing them how it’s done. As a caregiver or teacher, you need to model cooperative behavior in your daily life. Whether it’s sharing a snack with your child, taking turns during a game, or asking someone else’s opinion, children learn by watching the adults around them. When they see you cooperating, they’re more likely to understand the importance of doing the same.
For example, when playing a game with your child, you can take turns or share a toy, even if it’s just for a few moments. Saying things like, “It’s your turn now, and then it will be mine,” reinforces the idea of sharing time and space with others.
Praise Sharing and Cooperation
Positive reinforcement is key to helping children develop the habit of sharing. When a child does share, make sure to praise them for their actions. A simple statement like, “That was really kind of you to share with your friend!” reinforces the positive behavior. Over time, children will begin to associate sharing with praise and positive feelings, which will encourage them to continue sharing in the future.
Additionally, praise should be specific and sincere. Rather than giving a blanket compliment like “Good job,” try saying, “I really like how you waited your turn with the blocks,” or “That was very generous of you to give your friend a turn with the toy.” This helps children understand exactly what behavior you’re praising.
Make Sharing Fun
At three, children are often still learning how to control their impulses. If sharing feels like a chore, they may resist it. That’s why it’s important to make sharing feel like an enjoyable experience. One way to do this is through games that require taking turns or sharing. For instance, playing a game of “Pass the Parcel” or a board game that involves turns teaches children that sharing can be fun and rewarding.
You can also encourage cooperative play by offering toys or activities that require joint effort, like building a tower together or working on a puzzle as a team. This not only fosters sharing but also strengthens problem-solving skills and teamwork.
Set Up Playdates with Cooperative Activities
Children learn a great deal from interacting with peers, and structured playdates can help them practice sharing and cooperation in a controlled environment. Set up playdates with cooperative activities such as coloring, building, or simple team-based games. These kinds of activities naturally promote sharing and require the children to work together to achieve a goal.
During these playdates, monitor the interactions closely, and step in when necessary to guide the children. If one child is struggling to share or take turns, gently intervene by suggesting, “Let’s take turns so everyone gets a chance to play.”
Teach Empathy
Empathy is a crucial aspect of cooperation. Help your child understand how others might feel when they don’t share. If a child refuses to share a toy, you could say, “Your friend looks sad because they wanted a turn. How would you feel if you couldn’t play with the toy?” Teaching empathy helps children recognize that their actions affect others’ emotions, which is a powerful motivator for cooperation.
Create Opportunities for Self-Expression
Finally, giving children opportunities to express themselves through verbal communication can also support cooperative play. Encourage your child to talk about what they’re feeling, whether it’s about sharing or something else. If they’re upset because they don’t want to share, give them the space to voice their feelings. Acknowledging their emotions while guiding them toward cooperative behavior helps build trust and understanding.
Conclusion
Teaching cooperation and sharing to three-year-olds is a gradual process that requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. By modeling good behavior, praising cooperative actions, and creating opportunities for children to practice these skills, we lay the foundation for healthy, positive relationships in the future. Sharing is not just about giving up toys; it’s about learning the importance of empathy, respect, and working together for mutual benefit. With these early lessons, children will be better equipped to navigate the social world and form lasting, positive connections with others.
References
- https://www.beginlearning.com/parent-resources/kids-sharing/
- https://raisingchildren.net.au/toddlers/behaviour/friends-siblings/sharing
