Share the toy time

1–2 yearsEmotional WellbeingMaterials: 2-3 favorite toys

Sit with your child and one or two toys. Pick up a toy, play with it briefly, then offer it to your child saying their name. When they take it, smile and say simple words like "your turn" or "thank you." After a moment, gently ask for the toy back using gestures and words. This simple back-and-forth helps your child begin to understand sharing and taking turns. Keep the activity playful and follow your child's lead. If they are not ready to give the toy back, that is okay. The practice of offering and receiving is what builds the foundation for later sharing skills.

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Share the toy time

How to Do This Activity

Sit with your child and one or two toys. Pick up a toy, play with it briefly, then offer it to your child saying their name. When they take it, smile and say simple words like "your turn" or "thank you." After a moment, gently ask for the toy back using gestures and words. This simple back-and-forth helps your child begin to understand sharing and taking turns. Keep the activity playful and follow your child's lead. If they are not ready to give the toy back, that is okay. The practice of offering and receiving is what builds the foundation for later sharing skills.

Why It Works

This activity builds the foundation for cooperation and sharing, which are key friendship-building behaviors. Research shows that childhood behaviors emphasizing sharing and cooperation strongly predict adult social health and better emotional regulation (Dunn & Cutting, 1999). At this age, your child is beginning to understand cause and effect. When they share and see your positive response, they start to connect sharing with feeling good and building connection.

Tips for Parents

Watch for your child's cues about when they are ready to hand over the toy. Some children need more time than others. Use the same simple phrases each time like "my turn" and "your turn" to help them learn the pattern. Celebrate any moment of sharing, even if it is brief. Your warm response teaches them that sharing feels good.

Materials Needed

2-3 favorite toys

Learning Methods

Imitation and ModelingLanguage-Rich EnvironmentBeginning Symbolic Play

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