Use the following tips to help your child learn these skills:

• Remind your child often of some simple rules for sharing. For example, letting others play with our toys is a nice thing to do. When we play with someone else’s things, we take good care of them. After we have played with a friend’s toys, we give them back.

• Be specific when teaching your child to take turns. Saying “You

can swing for awhile, then it’s

Sara’s turn,” doesn’t mean much to a preschooler. Instead, say, “I will push you on the swing 20 times. We will count together.

After we get to 20, you will get off the swing. Then I will push Sara 20 times.”

• Help your child learn to wait

unless it is an emergency. You don’t need to hang up on a telephone call just because your child wants you to change the channel on the TV for her. Say, “I am talking to my friend. I need you to play quietly for a few minutes while I finish. Then I will help you.”

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