The shared play technique
Introduction
If you’re sick of hearing the same old squabbles between your kids, encourage a bit of teamwork with the shared play technique, used on the show to get siblings working together for a common goal…
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Teaching kids to share
Larger families, especially with siblings close in age, will be familiar with the constant squabbling and fighting that can go on between
brothers and sisters. This technique encourages team play between them, allowing them to get some benefit from their play and to communicate with each other without arguing…
Step 1: think of a game…
Organize a game that depends on sharing and working together to achieve a goal but which doesn’t have an obvious winner or loser A good one is a treasure hunt in the park or your home, making sure the clues are things everyone in the family can answer; or a trust game, where one of the siblings gets to lead another through a blindfolded obstacle course.
Step 2: clarify the rules
Sit down with your kids and explain the rules, telling them that good teamwork will help them achieve a goal which they can all enjoy. Try to avoid giving the lead role to the dominant sibling.
Step 3: make sure they take turns
Supervise the game and make sure all the children are taking part and taking turns. Praise them at every turn and try not to react to minor mishaps!
Step 4: reward them for co-operating!
If you’re concentrating on building sibling relationships, you’ll likely have a family reward chart already. Let your kids know they’ll earn a reward point for working well together, too.
Updated April 10 2008
Supernanny Team