Memolines~Without asking for sharing, my toddler learned to share on her own

I think it’s because sharing is just a natural thing in our family - not something that’s demanded, but something she learns from watching our daily life.

I remember one day when my toddler was eating jam toast. Suddenly, she came running toward me with a piece, saying, “Mama, have a bite!” After I took a bite, I told her: “Thank you, so yummy! Mama loves it. Remember to give Daddy some too!” Then she ran over and stuffed the toast in Daddy’s mouth.

I’m not one of those moms who saves all the good stuff just for their kid. When she’s eating something, I’ll ask, “Is that yummy?” If she says yes, I’ll say, “Mama likes it too. Can you give Mama a bite?” Sometimes she refuses and stuffs everything in her mouth at once, and I’ll happily watch her finish it all. If she’s willing to share a little with me, I happily eat it up.

At home, my husband and I also share treats with each other. He’ll offer me some of what he’s eating, and I’ll let him try what I have. Our toddler sees all of this.

Over time, she started sharing her fruit and snacks with us on her own.

When eating ice cream, she’ll hold it and say, “Baby half, Mama half.” I’ll split it in half, and we’ll eat it together with spoons. Sometimes when I don’t want any, I’ll say, “Thank you, but Mama doesn’t want ice cream today. It’s all yours!” She’ll happily eat the whole thing.

Once during dinner, as I was about to reach for some vegetables, she said, “Mama don’t move, this is for Mama.” Then she used her chopsticks to pick up some food and fed it to me.

Another time at the store, she had a small bag of fruit gummies. After opening it, she handed me the first piece, then gave one to Daddy.

What struck me was that I hadn’t asked her for any, but she just did it so naturally. I think it’s because sharing is just a natural thing in our family - not something that’s demanded, but something she learns from watching our daily life. That’s why she picked it up so quickly and naturally.

Watching her share with us like this feels way more effective than lecturing her about sharing.