Playing is one of the most important parts of growing up. Even kittens and puppies play. Through play we learn basic motor skills, we learn how things work, we learn to use our imagination, to build, to function in daily life and we learn to share.
Unfortunately, some kids hate to share.
The solution is to encourage playtime, which is more fun when more than one person is available. What this basically means is games. Sports, board games, video games, if it’s more fun with two people than with one, you’re on the right track.
Of course, you need to choose carefully and remember that teaching your children to work together requires some guidance from you. Some toys may seem like they encourage sharing, but your bossiest of kids may want to take charge (we all had a brother, sister, or friend who made up new rules on the fly when they were losing!) disrespect the entrance of the other children.
So, of course, you don’t want to give your kids a soccer ball and hope they get the idea. Talk to them, play with them and teach them in a practical way to share and live, play and work with other people. The lessons that children can learn through board games and sports can continue into adulthood.
To put it further into perspective, think about the most spoiled kid you knew growing up… he was an only child, right?
Sports
The only downside to getting boys involved in sports is that most girls don’t like sports very much. However, if you can encourage a basketball game in the driveway as a family event, it should be much easier to get all of your kids interested.
There are no real specific recommendations for any individual sport here. Whatever ball your family is most inclined to throw, kick, or hit, go for it. Indoor sports can also be fantastic.
Board and card games
If you can find some board games focused more on teamwork, this is ideal. Sometimes all you need is a deck of cards, and if you know some good team games, teach them to your kids and have fun. Even with games that don’t generally use teamwork, you can still assign a single game piece to two of your children, say Monopoly, and have them take turns, or encourage them to discuss any decisions and come to an agreement beforehand. to buy. or sell boardwalk, for example.
If you want to encourage your kids to get along and share toys with each other, it usually works best to split teams into parent and child.
Family time
Something that really helps quell sibling rivalry is getting more involved with yourself. When parents and children play together, it tends to be much more harmonious, with the children happy to feel the family and inclusive atmosphere and wanting to contribute to the peace of the home.