Parent to Parent: Sharing

We went straight to an expert to get tips on how to teach your kids this valuable lesson early.

Nicholas, three-years-old
"Old Macdonald had a farm... eimo, imo, oooh."

Nicholas, 3, is still learning the words to his favorite song, and he's still learning a thing or two about sharing.

Michelle LaRowe, "Nanny to The Rescue"
"When Carsy has a toy that you want to take turns with, you need to ask."

To help teach him is Michelle LaRowe -- a certified nanny with more than 11 years experience. She calls herself "Nanny to the Rescue," and she's got a toy chest full of tips on how to teach kids the ABCs of sharing.

Carson, three-years-old
"Nicholas can I have a turn?"

For starters, Nanny says parents need to be role models...

Michelle LaRowe, "Nanny to the Rescue"
"Nicholas, you go around the track one more time and then you give Carsy a turn."

... and constantly show kids how to share.

Michelle LaRowe, "Nanny to the Rescue"
"We're going to take turns with the books. So Nicholas and Carsy can take turns with pushing an animal." 

To avoid temper tantrums, Nanny recommends picking a theme! Today's theme is Old Macdonald with "farm" and "animal" toys and books.

Michelle LaRowe, "Nanny to the Rescue"
"If I only had these two instruments out it's going to be a problem, because they're both going to want the only two that are there. By putting a wide assortment out, they can take turns."

And take away tempting toys!

Michelle LaRowe, "Nanny to the Rescue"
"It just sets up for disaster when you know they don't want to share, and it's put in the environment to have to be shared."

Nanny says by passing the toy test, kids can learn life long lessons in sharing.

Another piece of advice for parents -- when you're teaching your kids to share, make sure you make eye contact, so you know they are paying attention to you.

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