Many parents become concerned when they see their children refusing to share their toys with other children.
Before becoming too alarmed they should consider that many children don't learn any sharing skills until after they are at least three years old.
The period between two and three years old is considered a time when children learn to own and respect their toys.
They gain a sense of ownership for their own things, and they should be taught to respect their toys and to put them all where they go when they are done playing with them.
Children at this age should not be expected to share their toys.
They are too attached to them and are learning other valuable skills.
If they are made to share their possessions they are going to resent it.
After children are past this point it is a good idea to ease them in to the idea of sharing their possessions.
Let them meet up with other children and play near them.
Often times children will play next to a child without really interacting with them.
This is perfectly normal for children new to social situations.
They have to be given time to learn how to act around other children.
While playing with other children there are bound to be some instances where one child wants to play with another child's toys.
This is your moment to act.
Your moment to teach them how to share with one another.
It is your job to ask the second child if the first one can play with their toy.
If they say "yes" the praise the second child for being a good sharer and help them give the first child their toy.
If on the other hand they say "no" then it is your job to let the other child know that that is their toy and they don't want them playing with it right now.
It is important to give children control over their own possessions and to allow them to make decisions concerning them.
Ease the blow by letting the first child know that there are many other toys for them to play with and make a few suggestions for them.
If two children are fighting over the same toy or group of toys help them figure out a way for both of them to play with it.
If it is a ball or a truck encourage them to push it back and forth between them.
If it is a group of toys like blocks ask them if there is a way for both of them to play with some of the toys.
All of these interactions are going to pave the way for your child to learn how to interact with others.
They are not always going to make the right decisions but it is your job to let them make mistakes and to help the understand why they should act a different way.
Allow your child to grow on their own and only interfere when it is necessary.
It is important for them to feel like they are learning these things on their own and they are in control.