Taking turns? When do kids get the idea?

[Ilovemybed]

I got a fab game after a recommendation from mn (red dog blue dog by orchard games) and have been trying to get ds (2.5) to take turns with me.

With variable success! Is it just too early or should I keep trying?

DD is 22 months and can take turns - but only because she has learned to do it at her childminder's. When I am doing something and she wants a go (like sweeping the floor ) she shouts "DD's turn!"

I am not at all convinced that she knows WHY we have to take turns (aren't children that age too young to understand sharing?) but she can certainly do it in practice.

Having said that, it only really matters in her case because she's with other children some of the time. So I wouldn't stress about it if she wasn't going to the CM's.

My son (2.5) can take turns - but his sister's turn last all of 30 seconds and then he screams "my turn". I think we have a good couple of years yet, before they really get it!

It takes time and consistancy when understanding turn taking we have many children who come into reception who have no idea how to take turn. Stick with it as it is such a useful skill to learn.

sorry for the delay - thank you for the replies!

I will keep up the good work, as it were but not stress too much about it. He's got it more over the last few days anyway, but isn't good at it when tired and before bed (obviously).

thank you again. I feel reassured.

I think that 2.5 is a good age to start with board games - its turn taking in a more positive way IYSWIM (ie not waiting for something that someone else has).

We had a nice game at that age called Snails Pace Race where you each took turns to move different colour snails, but you didn't have 'your' snail, it was just about seeing which snail got to the lettuce first. So turn taking but without the element of competition!

good god do they still make snail pace race?