Turn-Taking Builds With Age
It takes most children until around age five to reliably take turns for mutual benefit, according to a study published in Psychological Science. The skill emerges as thinking skills mature -- not because a child was told to share. So that toy standoff at three isn't defiance. It's a brain still building the wiring for it.
Try this
Narrate the Turn, Don't Force It
Try naming what's happening out loud -- "She's using it now, you'll go next" -- instead of prying the toy loose. It gives the waiting a shape kids can hold onto.
Let the Timer Do the Talking
Some families set a visible timer so the switch comes from the clock, not from mom or dad.
When the timer goes off and the protest starts anyway, what do you do?
Join to vote and see how other parents answered. Poll voting is coming soon. Join the village
Created by the Do What Kids Do team in collaboration with artificial intelligence. How we make our posts
