However difficult it may be, toy sharing should be encouraged among children. Through sharing toys, kids learn about the spirit of giving. Sharing toys encourages a child to play better. Of course, playdates are a breeze if your child learns to share his/her toys. At the same time, it's alright to have a few limits in place where it comes to sharing toys.
How does one tackle sharing toys? It's a good idea to talk to your child beforehand and prepare him/her about the possibility of someone else playing with their toys. You can always remind your child how good of a friend their playmate is, how much fun they will have if they share toys and how nice it feels when their playmate shares their own toys with him/her.
It's inevitable that awkward situations will arise when it comes to sharing toys. When there's a conflict between children sharing toys, it's always a good idea for parents to step in and try and diffuse the situation. It's alright to try and make a child understand that a playmate will only play with the toy in question for a short time before returning it back.
One approach which helps in sharing toys is the timer method. Some parents I know use a timer which helps in setting limits with certain toys. When children know that there's a predetermined time limit to play with a toy, it's easier for them to take turns with the toy.
If your child is very attached to a particular toy, it's alright to make an exception to the toy sharing rule. Many parents keep their children's favorite toys away before a playdate in order to avoid a potential conflicting situation. Some children simply do not want to share certain toys and it's good idea to work around the situation by setting those toys off limits during playdates. That way, both the parents and the children are happier.
Be sure to praise your child when he/she shares toys at a playdate. Positive reinforcement works wonders with many children. Sharing toys gets easier with time. When your child sees their friends reciprocating by sharing their toys, it becomes easier to share their own toys the next time around.
