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Social stories · Feelings and friends · ages 5–9 · 2-minute read

Sharing toys: a social story

Sharing is hard for lots of children. This story makes it about fair turns, not giving everything away.

Read the story

By the Cala Luna team · Reviewed 24 October 2026 · The research behind it

The story

Read it aloud together, one card at a time. Point to the pictures and let your child read the last card.

  1. Sometimes another child wants the toy I am playing with.

  2. Sharing can mean taking turns, or playing with the toy together.

  3. I can finish my turn first. A timer can show when my turn ends.

  4. If I want a toy someone has, I can ask: "Can I have a turn when you are finished?"

  5. While I wait, I can play with something else.

  6. I might feel cross or sad. I can take a breath and ask a grown-up for help.

  7. Some special toys can be put away before friends come. That is OK.

  8. When we take turns, playing together is more fun.

My calm plan

Pick one or two before the day, and practise them at home.

  • 💬 "My turn next?"
  • ⏳ Use a timer
  • 🧩 Pick another toy
  • 🧑 Ask a grown-up

Free printable social story from calalunakids.com/social-stories/sharing-toys/

Personalised social cartoon

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How to use this story (for grown-ups)

  • Model sharing and turn-taking yourself, and name it when you see it: "You gave Sam a turn with the truck. That was kind."
  • Before a friend visits, let your child put away one or two special toys, and agree which toys are for sharing.
  • When there is a clash, stay close and calm: name both children's feelings, then help them choose a fair fix, such as a timer or taking turns.
  • Avoid punishing a child for not sharing. Teaching fair turns works better than making them hand toys over.

Why these steps: what 30 years of research says about social stories.

Words that help

  • Try saying: "When you've finished, it's Sam's turn."Instead of: "Give it to him now."
  • Try saying: "You can put your special teddy away before Sam comes."Instead of: "You must share everything."

Questions parents ask

Should I make my child share straight away?

Letting a child finish their turn, with a timer or a clear end, is fair and teaches more than taking the toy away. Then help the other child have a proper turn.

Is it OK for my child to have toys they don't share?

Yes. Everyone has a few special things. Putting them away before playdates avoids most battles. See our playdate story.

More social stories

Feelings and friends

When plans change

Surprises happen. A grown-up tells me the new plan, and I can calm my body.

Read the story →
Feelings and friends

Saying sorry

Calm down first, say what I did, then help make it better.

Read the story →
Feelings and friends

Losing a game

Big feelings, small words: "good game" and "can we play again?".

Read the story →

All 28 social stories

We read the best free examples and guidance we could find, then wrote a shorter, simpler version in our own words: Raising Children Network: teaching children to share; ZERO TO THREE: helping young children with sharing. Not medical advice; if you are worried about your child, talk to their school or doctor.