Last Updated on February 25, 2026 by Kimberly Stroh
My youngest is 18 months, and he’s neck deep in the tough toddler stage. I can see the frustration he faces because he can’t process his emotions well. Here are a few tips to help you teach your toddler to share. These have helped tremendously in our home.
To sum up the toddler stage: It’s as if your baby, who was loving, caring, and so sweet, has now turned into a child who swears the universe revolves around them. While this can be a frustrating stage in parenthood, it’s completely normal. A toddler hasn’t yet learned to master the skills of expressing emotions, practicing empathy, or even sharing with others.
Related: 10 Signs Your Toddler is Ready for Potty Training and How to Start
1. Be a Role Model For Your Toddler
I cannot stress this enough to parents who are looking to teach their toddler good sharing habits. A toddler looks to their parents first and foremost as their example. Be sure to share things with your family as often as possible so your toddler can see good sharing habits exhibited by their number one role model, you.
2. Host Playdates For Your Toddler and Friends
It’s a great idea to teach your toddler sharing while you’re monitoring their interactions with friends. Talk to other parents and plan a playdate together. During this playdate, use a timer that dings each time the toddlers are to exchange a toy. Using a timer as a signal to exchange a toy will help add a little fun to sharing education.
3. Play Games Together
Enjoy a family game night once per week that involves a game that requires sharing and taking turns. This could be a board game or a game of toss-the-ball. The simple act of rolling a ball back and forth with your toddler will help them understand that sharing is fun and beneficial for everyone involved.
4. Don’t Force Sharing
If your toddler is a little reluctant to exchange a toy with a friend during your playdate, refrain from forcing your toddler to share. Instead, sit down at their level and ask them questions. Find out why your toddler is having a difficult time releasing the toy to a friend and discuss this with them in a way that makes them feel as if sharing is a good idea, and you’ll soon see they’ll share naturally.
5. Praise Effort, Not Just Perfect Sharing
When you’re teaching toddlers to share, progress matters more than perfection. Instead of waiting for a flawless moment of generosity, notice and praise the small steps. If your child hesitates but eventually hands over a toy, that’s growth. If they agree to take turns without a meltdown, that’s a win. Try saying, “I saw how hard that was for you, and you still let your friend have a turn. That was kind.” This kind of encouragement helps your toddler feel proud of trying, not just pressured to perform. Over time, they’ll start connecting and sharing with positive feelings instead of frustration or loss.
Don’t be Frustrated When Teaching Your Toddler To Share
Teaching your toddler good sharing habits isn’t going to be an overnight project. This part of your parenting journey may take quite some time, but eventually, your toddler will wake up one day and be fabulous at sharing with friends. Keep moving forward using my tips to help your toddler develop good sharing habits, and you’ll soon reap the benefits of your hard work.
Books To Help Teach Your Toddler to Share
Here are some of my favorite toddler books to help promote healthy sharing with other kids, all available from Amazon. We own these books, and they helped with both of my boys. Even if your child shows signs of sharing nicely with other kids, it’s still nice to reiterate the concept through reading.