If your child grabs toys, refuses to wait, or melts down when it is someone else’s turn, you’re not alone. Get clear, practical support for building turn taking skills in play with simple strategies that fit toddlers and preschoolers.
Tell us what happens during playtime, and we’ll help you identify the best next steps for teaching sharing and turn taking in a way your child can actually use with toys, games, and everyday play.
Turn taking is a play skill that develops over time. Many toddlers and preschoolers understand what adults are asking, but still struggle to wait, share control, or stay calm when another child has the toy or gets the next move. This does not automatically mean your child is being defiant. Often, they need more support with impulse control, flexible thinking, language for play, and repeated practice in short, successful moments.
Your child wants the toy or action right away and has trouble pausing, even for a few seconds.
They may take materials out of someone’s hands, jump in early, or struggle to follow the back-and-forth rhythm of play.
Your child may cry, protest, or leave the activity when they are not in control of what happens next.
Try rolling a ball, taking turns with cars on a ramp, or dropping blocks into a bucket one by one. These quick actions make the pattern of my turn, your turn easy to see.
Use bubbles, pop-up toys, wind-up toys, or a favorite cause-and-effect toy. Give each person a short turn and use the same words each time.
Simple spinner games, matching games, or action games like taking turns jumping, tossing, or building can strengthen waiting and participation without long delays.
Start with very fast turns so your child experiences success before frustration builds. Short turns are often better than asking for long waiting.
Say the same phrases each time, such as “my turn” and “your turn,” while pointing, handing over the toy, or using a simple gesture to show whose turn it is.
Teach the skill first with a calm adult or sibling, then build up to more exciting group play once the routine feels familiar.
That usually means the current activity is too long, too competitive, too exciting, or not yet matched to your child’s developmental level. The right support depends on what is getting in the way: waiting, sharing control, handling disappointment, or understanding the rules of the game. A focused assessment can help you sort out the pattern and choose turn taking play ideas for kids that are more likely to work.
The best turn taking games for toddlers are short, concrete, and repetitive. Rolling a ball, stacking blocks one at a time, taking turns with bubbles, and simple toy routines usually work better than long board games.
Start with highly motivating toys, keep turns very brief, and use consistent phrases like “my turn, your turn.” Practice when your child is calm, and stop before frustration gets too high. Success with easy activities builds the foundation for harder ones.
This is common. Many children know the rule but struggle in the moment because of excitement, impulse control, or disappointment. They often need more guided practice, visual support, and simpler play setups before the skill carries over.
Usually, yes. Preschoolers can often handle slightly longer turns, simple rules, and beginner board or movement games. Toddlers usually do best with fast back-and-forth play using toys and actions they already enjoy.
They are related but not identical. Sharing means allowing access to materials, while turn taking means participating in a back-and-forth sequence. Some children can share a space but still struggle to wait for their turn in play.
Answer a few questions about what happens during playtime, and get focused next steps for helping your child wait, share control, and join simple turn taking activities with more success.
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