How to Teach a 19-Month-Old Baby to Share Toys
A 19-month-old baby is at a critical stage of social development, and sharing toys is an important skill for fostering cooperation and empathy. However, toddlers at this age often exhibit self-centered behavior, which is a normal part of their developmental stage. As new parents, understanding your baby's cognitive limitations and adopting gentle guidance can help them gradually learn to share while building parent-child trust. Remember, every baby develops at their own pace, so maintaining patience and a positive attitude is key.
Possible Reasons
- Characteristics of developmental milestones: 19-month-olds are naturally egocentric, which is a normal stage of cognitive growth. They do not yet fully grasp the concept of "ownership."
- Limited emotional regulation skills: Babies may cry or resist when a toy is taken away due to immature emotional expression.
- Lack of modeling opportunities: If the environment lacks examples of sharing, it's difficult for the baby to learn this behavior.
Home Care Recommendations
- Model sharing behavior: Parents actively share their own items and describe the process using simple language (e.g., "Mommy is giving you the toy to play with, now it's your turn") to help the baby understand the concept.
- Set up turn-taking games: Use a timer or songs to manage time (e.g., "We'll play for one minute, then it's a friend's turn"), allowing the baby to learn waiting and exchanging in a relaxed atmosphere.
- Use positive reinforcement: Immediately give specific praise when the baby attempts to share (e.g., "You're so great for sharing the car!"). Avoid material rewards to enhance intrinsic motivation.
- Create cooperative environments: Choose toys suitable for multiple participants (like blocks or balls) to reduce opportunities for grabbing, and maintain daily consistency to reinforce the habit.
When to Seek Professional Help
- ⚠️ If the baby exhibits persistent aggressive behavior (e.g., frequent biting or hitting) accompanied by emotional outbursts.
- ⚠️ If social interaction skills are significantly delayed (e.g., avoiding eye contact or not responding to others), consult a pediatrician or child development specialist.
Conclusion
Teaching a 19-month-old baby to share is a gradual process that requires parental care and persistence. Every small attempt at sharing is a milestone in the baby's growth. As new parents, you are laying the social foundation for your baby—trust yourself, remain optimistic, and your baby's progress will amaze you!
The information provided in this article is for reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment advice. If your child exhibits any health concerns or the warning signs mentioned above, immediately consult a qualified medical professional.