How to Teach Children to Share Food
Teaching children to share food when they are young will benefit them in future social situations and others that require sharing. Sharing does not often come naturally to children and it may seem overwhelming to teach your child to understand its positive benefits when you first begin. Having patience and incorporating hands-on techniques are essential to teaching children how to share.
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Instructions
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Show your children the importance of sharing by setting an example yourself. Introduce your child to sharing by showing her you like to share with your family and close friends (including gadgets, electronics, toys or household items). Exhibit happiness and excitement about sharing ather than disappointment over not keeping the item to yourself.
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Separate snacks equally on to different plates for each child eating before handing out the plates. This will teach your child to keep sharing equally rather than keeping more for herself -- even in the event of surplus candy.
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Create "sharing situations" for your child when she is with friends or when she will be in a situation where others are involved. For example, give your child three cookies to split between her and a friend.
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Explain to your child that if she does not share, those around him will more than likely not share their own toys and goodies with her in return.
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Tips & Warnings
Avoid labeling your child as "selfish" or calling her selfish when she is not sharing properly. Instead, use positive reinforcement of sharing to help her enjoy sharing, rather than resent it.
Talk to your child about sharing food with those she does not know, as this may be unsanitary or unhealthy. It is also important to inform children not to share food that may pass germs, colds or bacteria (which may be the case when children are biting directly from others' sandwiches).
References
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