Some ideas:
 

* The way we share our things with children is a great way to teach them. When you are sharing with a child, say things like, “I’d like to share my I pad/computer/cooking utensils/gardening tools with you. You can use it/them for 20 minutes or until I call you for afternoon tea.” Make your expectations clear about how you want the things you are sharing treated and returned.

* Teach children that sharing is not limited to material items. You can practice sharing ideas, thoughts and feelings. For some children this is easier than sharing material items at first and you can ‘honestly’ give them positive encouragement for being a good sharer. Say things such as, “You just told me a great story about kindy today, you are getting really good at sharing.”

* Notice and mention when your child does share their things happily.  Say, I just saw you sharing with ....... You are getting much better at sharing.

* Have daily ‘sharing’ experiences, including the feelings associated with them, at dinner (that means you share your experiences and the children share theirs).

*  If your child likes to borrow but doesn’t look after other peoples’ things or doesn’t return them on time, and therefore finds that others are less keen to share with them,  use something of theirs as collateral. I do this with students at school and it can be quite fun. For instance if a child wants to borrow my calculator, I will ask them to give me their shoes until they return my calculator.

* And lastly, something not to say. Do not label children as ‘bad sharers’ or ‘selfish’ for not sharing.  Sharing is a learnt skill, don’t let the learning be ...... there is no hope for me and sharing. Also, children labelled as selfish can carry that into adulthood and end up sharing too much out of guilt. Say things like, ‘I know that you are finding sharing difficult AT THE MOMENT’.?

Let me know how you are going on the PEPA Smart Parenting Facebook page as you try these sharing ideas out.