Sharing is caring: creating opportunities for our little ones to learn to share

In caring for my son one of the things I’ve been quite intentional about – from when he was very little – has been providing him with as many spaces as I can where he can engage with other kids.

While he’s not technically an only child he’s much younger than his sisters and they live the majority of the time an ocean away.

There are lots of spaces where parents of only children can find spaces for their kids to play and meet others (and, of course, this doesn’t just apply to only children). Not including paid play spaces – of which there are a variety and some very cost-effective examples – I’ve always found libraries a great place for structured and unstructured play.

Almost all libraries now have separate play areas for our little ones. Often partially, if not fully cordoned off, these library spaces provide an ideal safe environment for little ones to learn to engage with others. Some of my little one’s best friends – and people who are now like family to us – have emerged from chance meetings with other parents at libraries.

Another great thing about libraries is that they attract a wide range of ages of kids which is wonderful for not only allowing our little ones to engage with kids older and younger than themselves but also to see ‘big kids’ play. This is great as it helps them developmentally and is just a lot of fun. I don’t know a little one out there who wouldn’t rather play with the big kids if they could!

And of course, libraries have books. Lots of books!! Given how important books are to our kids development – and their future success at school – the more we can get our children enjoying books and reading the better. And what better place for that than the library!!

Now libraries aren’t the only types of these safe spaces for kids to engage with other kids – other examples include playgrounds and cafes. Here in the Pacific Northwest we tend to the indoor variety because, to be honest, things can be pretty wet here!

In bring my little one to these spaces I’ve definitely watched him learn to engage well with other kids – across a broad range of ages too. And during this I’ve worked with other parents in a similar situation as mine to have our kids work together to learn sharing practices. This has lead to some wonderful outcomes of friendship as the children have moved from the parallel play process into direct play with one another. It’s great seeing the kids recognize one another as they come to the library and take their toys over to share with their friends when they arrive with their parents.

After all, sharing is caring, and the earlier we teach our kids this the better!