By age 3, children begin to think less about just themselves and more about the feelings of others. They start playing with other kids instead of just beside them. Your child will notice that friends are all different, and some play better together than others. They will naturally begin to pick friends they like best, which helps them feel good about themselves.
Sharing and taking turns become easier too. Kids start to ask nicely for toys instead of grabbing or yelling. They learn to cooperate during playtime and work out small disagreements, like taking turns or trading toys. Sometimes, they still need your gentle guidance to learn how to share and be patient.
Why This Matters
Making friends and sharing are important social skills that help your child build confidence and enjoy time with others. Learning to cooperate and solve problems peacefully sets a strong foundation for healthy relationships throughout life.
Try This at Home
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When your child struggles to share, say: “Use your words to tell how you feel.”
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Remind them that everyone gets a turn when sharing toys.
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Help them find fair solutions—maybe taking turns, drawing for the first pick, or choosing a different toy.
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Teach your child simple feelings words like “sad,” “angry,” or “happy” so they can explain themselves better.
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Show calm ways to handle frustration by staying calm yourself during tough moments.
If your child gets upset and acts out physically, gently stop them and talk about their feelings once they’ve calmed down. Explain why hitting isn’t okay and encourage saying sorry—and mean it—when they hurt someone’s feelings.
Source: Adapted from American Academy of Pediatrics. (2024). Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age Five (8th ed.). Last updated December 5, 2024.