How to Teach Children to Take Turns

Play board games. Board games are one of the simplest ways to teach turn taking since game play functions only when each player waits patiently for his turn. Choose age-appropriate games and talk to your child before you play to carefully explain the rules. Realize that it may be difficult for him to wait patiently, so choose a game that moves fairly quickly until he is comfortable waiting longer periods of time for his turn. For example, try playing a game like "Candyland" or "Monopoly Junior" before you move on to more complex, time-consuming games like "Monopoly" or Chess.

Take turns while you perform daily activities. Make a point to take turns with your child when you water the plants or feed the cat. Encourage your children to take turns with each other helping you make dinner, folding towels or sweeping the floor. Make turn-taking a fun and happy event, rather than a chore. Give your child a sticker each time he completes a chore or sing songs while you do your daily chores. If your child demonstrates good turn-taking with chores, offer a small reward, such as a toy or a special dinner.

Attend regular play dates with other children so your kids can practice taking turns with toys. Remind your child before play time begins to be patient with his friends since not all children are good at sharing right away. Keep a watchful eye on your child and remind him gently, if necessary, when it is time to let another child have a turn with something. When you host a play date at your own home, remind your child prior to the visit that each child is to take turns with the toys. Set a timer for three or five minutes and whenever the timer buzzes, have the children switch toys.

Explain that even adults sometimes have a hard time taking turns. Be honest with your children and talk to them about how it feels to take turns. Explain that while taking turns may be difficult and even unpleasant sometimes, it is still an important part of polite behavior and social interaction. Share a time when you found it difficult to take turns and ask your children to share their own experiences with you. Talk about the reasons we need to take turns and how it benefits both the person being shared with and the person sharing. Point out times when you share and take turns - changing lanes while driving, stopping at a stop sign or holding a door for someone.