Sharing and turn taking can be very difficult for toddlers. They are just beginning to learn social rules and how to behave with other children. These new skills are very hard to master! Toddlers still believe they are the center of the universe. And this prevents them from fully understanding what other people need. They may be beginning to understand the concept of ownership ("mine!"). But their egocentric thought leads them to conclude that they own everything! Imagine their horror when toddlers are asked to hand over a toy to another child! Several things make it really hard for toddlers to share. First they don't really understand sharing. Second they are needy and impulsive. Don't expect to see much sharing until your toddler gets older and more social.
Adapted from Healthy Steps. Edited and Compiled by the Center for Promotion of Child Development Through Primary Care 2011
