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Common questionsPlay12–23 months · 2 years · 36–47 monthsAbout 1 min

Is it normal that my toddler will not share toys?

Replace forced sharing with age-appropriate practice taking turns.

In the early years, waiting and understanding another person’s point of view are still developing. Not sharing immediately does not make your child selfish.

You can try

  1. Put away one or two special toys before play so they do not have to be shared.
  2. Provide enough materials and use short, concrete turns: “your turn, then Alex’s turn.”
  3. Prevent grabbing or hurting, name what each child wants, and offer a trade or another activity.
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