When do they learn to share?

I was pretty amazed that Michael and Mikayla were taking turns on the Sit and Spin the other day. We have talked about over and over how we count to 10 or 20, then it is the other child's turn. (we only have 1 usually of each toy except stuffies). So Mikayla counted to 10, stood right up and let Michael go. Michael in turn counted to 10, stood right up and let Mikayla go.

I kept giving them high fives and telling them, "You are a good SHARING GIRL!" "You are a good SHARING BOY!" Mommy is so proud of you!

Is this unheard of? To share like this at 21 months?

Bridget

 

We have been emphasizing taking turns and sharing since around 18 months. That seemed to be about the time they could really understand the concept. They have been pretty good about since about 21 months or so (which luckily coincided with Christmas last year, LOL!!), so yours seem right on track to me. They still don't always like it, though!

 

Some days my two are good about sharing, but a lot of the time they fight until one decides, okay I am doing it first. It makes it worse for me to intervene... they do not like that!

 

That's great. Mine have to be in the mood to share. Danielle will say "I not want to share Mommy" very seriously. It's very cute. But, then she will wind up sharing. I think that's a good thing about twins...they learn to share at an early age.

 

I keep wondering if they do well sharing now because they haven't yet hit the stage where they will refuse for no reason but to exercise their independence? I keep waiting for the proverbial shoe to drop We're big into sharing around here also and I love that I can give either one of them two of something and they'll automatically give one to their brother. If I give them one of something, they'll point at the other and say "brother" while looking at me. They do fight over toys sometimes but they do surprisingly well with sharing considering behavior I've observed with their singleton friends.

 

We've gone through phases. At the moment we are dealing with an "it's mine" phase and honestly it is driving me crazy. I try not to intervene, but sometimes I have to in order to make peace. I think that it's wonderful that yours are sharing, hopefully they will stick to it, but don't be surprised if they don't.

 

Mine started about a month ago with taking turns. That makes things go so much smoother! Instead of making one give up a toy, I tell them to take turns and they think it's great. They will say "Bea's turn!" "Ahssie's (Ainsley's) turn!" and give the toy back and forth. Yeah, I'm sure it won't last.

 

Ella will give up ANYTHING that she has that Jack wants with the first hint of a whine from him. I always praise her for this, while trying to teach Jack that he does have to take turns. They have started this new thing though (again, initiated by Jack and Ella just goes with it). They've been having ice pops after dinner. He will take one lick of his and hand his over to her saying something like "trade" and Ella gladly gives hers up. They've been trading back and forth about 10 times before the darn things melt! It's pretty cute! I've also noticed that they are very open to sharing their toys with others too. It's great to see.