learning to share?

our oldest DD turned 3 in September and is a very strong willed. Anyway, she's got a younger sister who is 15 months. The youngest one doesn't get to play with anything at all because her older sister is always jerking them away from her. I am not sure what to do about teaching her/them to share, due to the oldest being sooo strong willed. tia

When ever the twins snatch toys from each other, I take the toy away and give it back to the person who had it first and explain to them that they can't snatch toys and they have to take turns.

If they pitch a fit, they go in timeout.

If the three yr old has it i would not expect her to give it up right away. But speak for the younger child and say "it looks like ____ wants to play, can he Hve it when you're done?". Then if the younger one has it and the three yr old tries tO take it you hold the toy and say "____ looks upset. She had this toy and you took it from her without asking". Then add "you can ask her if you can have a turn". Then make her ask for it, model the appropriate way if necessary. Then see if the LO agrees. If not then say "oh it looks like she's still playing with it, try asking her if you can have it when she's done" and make her ask,modeling te appropriate way and making her repeat you If necessary.

This is how we do problem solving in my preschool program. It is very effective. It considers the rights of both children and eventually they will get sick o you making them do the long process and shell just start doing it without your help. Good luck. Since she's 3 it might take awhile for her to get it. But be patient and do this EVERY time there's conflict. Acknowledge the little ones feelings when she takes the toy as well so she can see how're actions affect others. Good luck.

tell her she can some time with the toy then let her sister have sometime with it.. if she cant share it then take it from her or do time out.. explain that she has to let her sister play too.. shes definatly old enough to understand.. GL