Effective Strategies for Fostering Sharing in Your Child
For children, the concept of sharing may be difficult to grasp. The desire to possess and control objects is a natural part of their growth, and sharing requires delaying gratification and managing impulses, which is particularly challenging with limited impulse control. However, teaching your little one to share is crucial for their social and emotional development. Not only does it foster empathy and teamwork, but it also lays the groundwork for positive relationships throughout their life. Drawing on our expertise in designing a preschool curriculum that prioritises values, we share a few strategies you can leverage to encourage sharing in your child.
Lead by Example
Mimicry is a fundamental mechanism with regard to children’s development. By observing and replicating the behaviour of adults, children learn acceptable ways to act and behave. As such, leading by example is highly effective when trying to teach your little one. During playtime, involve another adult to demonstrate the idea of sharing. Pass a toy or object to the other adult when requested and get them to do the same with you. After a few repetitions, include your child in the activity. In addition to sharing objects, express your joy with phrases like, “I’d love to share this with you,” or “let’s share so everyone can enjoy”’ Positive language reinforces the good feelings associated with sharing, motivating children to repeat the behaviour willingly.
Practise Taking Turns
When the thought of sharing comes to mind, we tend to picture giving something to another person, but sharing can manifest in various ways and taking turns is one of them! Engage in turn-taking activities with your little one to cultivate fairness and patience. For instance, a simple game of snakes and ladder, where each player waits for their turn to roll the dice, is a great way to practise turn-taking. Instead of just having your child wait, involve them by pointing out what the other person is doing during their turn. This keeps them interested while waiting and perhaps even excited for someone else’s turn.
Beyond the confines of home, we believe that sharing is a valuable lesson in schools too. Our hands-on preschool curriculum helps children internalise that sharing is collaborative, promoting a positive attitude towards cooperation in their interaction with others.
Before embarking on the journey of sharing with your child, it is important to acknowledge their developmental capabilities and understand that this venture may not always be smooth sailing. At their tender, young age, children are still learning impulse control, which means certain lessons including sharing might take time. Setting achievable goals is the first step. Start with small, manageable activities including sharing a snack or playing a cooperative game. As your child becomes more comfortable with basic sharing, gradually incorporate situations that involve the principle with more people or for longer durations. Allowing mistakes as part of the learning process and adapting your expectations to your child’s developmental level in this manner creates an environment that supports their progress and fosters a sense of accomplishment.
If you are keen on this notion of accommodating to your child’s progression, then our preschool curriculum may suit both you and your little one’s needs. We celebrate each milestone within an environment that loves and respects each child!
Ultimately, do recognise that sharing is a skill that evolves over time, empowering effective communication skills, generosity and an understanding of cultural and social norms. Early exposure to sharing equips children with the tools required for successful social interactions and relationships well beyond their formative years.
At Little Seeds Preschool, we focus on teaching children values and equipping them with life skills, enabling them to kickstart their journey of growth and discovery of self, others and the world. With centres located across Singapore including our Tampines preschool, Bukit Batok preschool and more, we ensure every child has easy access to a holistic education experience.
3 Activities to Do with Your Child on the Weekends in Singapore
The Early Childhood Development Agency (ECDA) has announced that with effect from 1 January 2025, childcare centres are no longer required to operate on Saturdays. Parents have also welcomed the news as 98% of surveyed families expressed that they did not require Saturday childcare services. This new policy not only enables early childhood educators to recharge and spend time with loved ones, but also grants parents more quality time with their children. While this change will only be strictly implemented in 2025, childcare centres may choose to close on Saturdays if there is no demand from 1 January 2024. As we embrace this shift, we have curated a list of enriching activities in Singapore for you to enjoy with your little one over the weekends!
With a diverse range of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities, Science Centre Singapore (SCS) is the perfect place to encourage curiosity in your child and foster a love of learning. Children get to explore various scientific concepts in a fun and accessible way, while parents can strengthen their bond with their kids by explaining certain ideas that may be challenging for young minds to grasp. SCS exemplifies that learning extends beyond the confines of school and preschool curriculum. Through engaging displays and immersive showcases, children discover new ways to think critically, solve problems and develop their creativity. Additionally, SCS often hosts educational shows and workshops that you can consider enrolling your child in to further elevate the overall learning experience.
A Picnic in Nature
While nurturing the mind is crucial for cognitive growth, the importance of a healthy body should not be overlooked. The harmonious development of both mind and body is essential to children’s development. Taking a family day out together in nature, such as a picnic, can help everyone to unwind and appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. A picnic is also a great way to strengthen bonds and create lasting memories, offering a unique blend of outdoor enjoyment, delicious food and shared experiences that promote family togetherness. It provides an opportunity to escape the routine of daily life and connect with nature. In this casual setting, communication, laughter and a sense of unity are enhanced. The Marina Barrage, Botanic Gardens, and Fort Canning Park are just some of the many scenic spots to have a picnic in Singapore.
Who says parents can’t have fun too when spending time with their little ones? While keeping your children happy and stimulated is every parent’s focus, the weekends are about you too!
Family events and festivals offer a wholesome and entertaining environment that caters to various age groups, ensuring that every family member finds something enjoyable. These gatherings typically feature a range of performances, attractions and specific activities that promote socialisation, allowing families to connect and foster a sense of belonging and community spirit. Children are introduced to new cultures, arts, ideas and other educational elements in a dynamic and interactive way; once again, learning and exploring outside their classroom and preschool curriculum. By participating in family-friendly events, families can build rapport and form positive traditions that extend beyond the event itself.
There is no denying that parents wield the most significant influence on their children, serving as role models while they grow. That is why dedicating time to engage in activities with your little one is so important throughout their early years. Not only does it shape their character and mindset for the future, but it also improves their overall relationship with you.
At Little Seeds Preschool, we celebrate our preschoolers for who they are. Providing a positive, safe and secure environment, our educators ensure that children are respected and free to express themselves. With centres spanning across Singapore including our preschool in Yishun, preschool in Bukit Batok, preschool in Kovan and more, our values-based education allows children to grow at their own pace, cultivating a love for discovery, exploration, and positive life-long learning habits.
Instilling an attitude of gratitude in children involves guiding them to view their circumstances through a lens of appreciation rather than lack. As parents, we play a crucial role in shaping our children’s values and attitudes. Recognizing this significance, Little Seeds Preschool, a preschool in Singapore, has put together practical ways for parents to nurture a sense of gratitude in their little ones, laying the foundation for a more positive and fulfilling life.
Encourage acts of kindness
One of the most effective ways to nurture gratitude in a child is by encouraging acts of kindness towards others. Teach your child the value of giving back to the community and helping those in need. Engage in volunteer activities as a family such as participating in community clean-up projects. These experiences expose children to the realities of life and allow them to appreciate their blessings.
Additionally, select a preschool curriculum for your child with a culture of sharing, taking turns, and considering others’ feelings in day to day interactions. When your child displays acts of kindness, be sure to acknowledge and praise their actions. This positive reinforcement instils the significance of compassionate behaviour and allows them to internalise the joy of giving.
Foster a gratitude ritual
Establishing a gratitude ritual can be a powerful practice in cultivating thankfulness in your child’s life. Create a daily or weekly routine where you and your child take time to reflect on the things you are grateful for. This can be done at the dinner table, before bedtime, or during a peaceful moment in the day.
During the ritual, encourage your child to express their gratitude for specific things, experiences, or people. It could be as simple as appreciating a beautiful sunny day, a tasty meal, or the love of family and friends. By consistently engaging in this exercise, children will become more attuned to the positive aspects of their lives, fostering a mindset of gratitude rather than focusing on what they lack.
Model gratitude
Children are keen observers, learning through the behaviour of the adults around them. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of how you speak about your blessings and challenges. Instead of dwelling on what we lack, let us focus on expressing gratitude for what we possess.
Involve your child in your expressions of thankfulness. For instance, when you write thank-you notes or show appreciation to others, explain the reasons behind your gratitude. This not only demonstrates the importance of being thankful but also provides your child with real-life examples of how gratitude positively impacts relationships and personal well-being.
Cultivating gratitude in children is a fulfilling journey with far-reaching effects on their emotional and social growth. With the help of these useful tips, we can provide them with an indispensable tool to navigate life’s challenges and joys with grace and genuine appreciation.
Ready to cultivate gratitude in your little one’s life? At Little Seeds Preschool, we are dedicated to fostering a positive and fulfilling educational experience, laying the foundation for a brighter future. With multiple preschools located across Singapore, including Bukit Batok and Tampines, our preschool curriculum is designed to help children blossom into compassionate and well-rounded individuals. Reach out to us today to discover more about our programs and secure your child’s place!
