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- 🌱Sharing is Caring (and Hard!) 🌱
🌱Sharing is Caring (and Hard!) 🌱
Hello Sproutly Families,
We’ve all said it, “Remember to share!”
But for young children, sharing isn’t just a social skill; it’s an emotional workout. It asks kids to manage impulses, wait their turn, and handle feelings of frustration, disappointment, or even jealousy. Big asks for small humans still learning self-regulation.
As a family therapist, I often remind parents that sharing isn’t something kids know how to do; it’s something they grow into through modeling, guidance, and repeated practice in safe, connected settings. Our goal isn’t perfect generosity. It’s helping children understand both their own needs and others’ needs at the same time.
In this newsletter, you will get....
Parenting Tips
Photo by Trinity Kubassek on Pexels
Teaching Sharing with Empathy
Start with Understanding
Validate your child’s feelings first: “It’s hard to share when you really love that toy.” Naming the emotion builds empathy and regulation.Model Generosity
Let kids see you share your time, tools, or treats and name it out loud: “I’m letting Dad use my charger because we both need it.”Practice Turn-Taking
Use a timer or song for young kids to visualize when it’ll be their turn again. Predictability helps reduce power struggles.Use Language That Balances Both Needs
Try phrases like: “You’re not ready to share yet. Let’s find something else your friend can play with.” It honors both children’s experiences without forcing sharing.Celebrate Small Steps
Notice when they try: “You handed your friend the red crayon, that was kind.” Positive attention helps generosity stick.
Activity of the Week
Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels
The Sharing Circle
A fun, low-pressure family ritual that helps kids practice giving and receiving.
You’ll Need:
A small basket and a few favorite objects (toy, treat, or craft supply).
How It Works:
Sit in a circle and take turns passing an item while saying, “I’m sharing this with you because…”
Kids can share a reason (“because you make me laugh”) or just pass it with a smile.
End by asking, “How did it feel to share? How did it feel to receive?”
This builds awareness, empathy, and connection, the roots of true generosity.
Sneak Peek: Daisy Core Emotion Kit
The Sproutly Emotion Wheel
Big feelings can feel confusing for little ones. The Sproutly Emotion Wheel helps make them visible, understandable, and manageable.
This colorful, hands-on tool helps kids recognize and name what they’re feeling. Whether it’s happy, worried, angry, surprised, or afraid, it opens the door for calm conversations about what they need next.
Benefits of Using an Emotion Wheel:
Builds Emotional Awareness: Helps children identify and label emotions, reducing overwhelm.
Encourages Communication: Gives kids words and visuals to express what they feel instead of acting it out.
Teaches Regulation: Once kids name their feeling, they can learn coping tools that match it.
Strengthens Connection: Turns tricky moments into opportunities for empathy, understanding, and closeness.
Whether at home, in the classroom, or in therapy settings, the Emotion Wheel helps kids learn: All feelings are okay and I can handle them.
Sharing is one of the earliest ways children practice empathy and also one of the hardest. When we guide kids through these moments with patience, we’re not just teaching manners; we’re shaping emotional resilience and connection.
Each time your child shares a toy, a snack, or even a little patience, they’re learning that generosity feels good. Not because it’s required, but because it connects.
Warm regards,
Millie & Melissa
The Sproutly Team
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