Early Childcare Assistant

Sharing is Caring: How to Help Kids Understand Sharing After Early Child Care Assistant Courses

October 13, 2017

eca laughing with children

Children are constantly going through different stages of development. Early on in life, children see themselves as one with their parents and caretakers. However, as children enter their toddler years they begin to see themselves as a separate entity. This stage typically starts around the age of two and begins to mellow out by age three. It is during this time that challenges with sharing typically arise, as children become more aware of possession and what it means to hand something over. In order to ensure children gain the foundational skills they need to succeed as they get older, proper sharing skills are important.

If you’re considering enrolling in child care assistant courses, read on to learn more about how to foster sharing skills in kids.

After Early Child Care Assistant Courses, Explain to Kids That Their Friends Have Feelings Too

It’s not until around age four when children begin to feel empathy on their own. As a result, reminding children about others’ feelings when sharing will help them to understand its importance. If you notice two children fighting over a toy after completing your early child care assistant course, it could be helpful to explain what the other child might be feeling. For example, you could say something along the lines of, “When you don’t share with Tommy, he doesn’t have as much fun and it makes him sad.” These statements can help children understand how sharing, or lack thereof, impacts their peers.

Children playing at a table.
Helping children understand others’ feelings will teach them the importance of sharing

Ask Questions About Why a Early Child is Reluctant to Share to Help Them Uncover Their Feelings

The concept of sharing can be confusing for children, as sharing can involve a variety of situations. You can share a cookie and never get the second half back, share a blanket and still be able to use it, or share a toy and get it back later. Because of this, children can be confused by sharing, which may contribute to their reluctance to do so.

Helping children get in touch with their feelings towards sharing can help them become better at it. If a child seems hesitant to share, try asking them questions about why they are afraid to share and what they think will happen if they do. You can then work to overcome these challenges together.

Demonstrate Proper Sharing to Kids After Early Child Care Assistant Courses

In their early years, children will often emulate the behaviour that they see around them. As a result, it’s important to demonstrate good examples of sharing after completing your early childcare assistant training. Whenever you demonstrate sharing, make a point of vocalizing it. For example, if you invite a child to sit next to you and other students on a couch, you could say to the class “We’re going to share the couch with Sally, so let’s make some room. Come on, Sally!”

Teacher cheering a child on for sharing
Provide specific feedback when children share

Use Specific Positive Reinforcement When a Child Shares

When working with especially young toddlers, it’s important to be specific when providing feedback. Simply saying good job can be confusing, as it can be difficult for this age group to associate praise with what action they did to earn it. If you notice a child sharing, provide specific feedback using statements like “It’s very nice how you shared with your friend today” or “Did you see how happy he was when you shared your toy?”

Do you want to earn your early childcare assistant diploma so you can start a rewarding career working with kids?

Contact Medix College today to learn more!

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