The holidays are all about family, food, and connection. But for a lot of parents, family gatherings can also bring stress, especially when your child struggles with sharing, turn-taking, or waiting their turn.

If you’ve ever found yourself holding your breath during a cousin toy battle or a meltdown over who goes first, you’re not alone. The good news is, you can help your child practice these tricky social skills ahead of time, making Thanksgiving (and the rest of the season) a little smoother for everyone.

Why Sharing & Turn-Taking Can Be Hard

For toddlers and preschoolers, especially those with autism or ADHD, sharing and turn-taking can feel confusing or frustrating. These skills involve:

• Waiting (which takes impulse control)

• Understanding others’ perspectives (which takes social awareness)

• Tolerating disappointment (which takes practice!)

When we look at it that way, it’s no surprise these moments can lead to big feelings. That’s where ABA-based strategies can help.

How to Build Sharing & Turn-Taking Skills

1. Start Small and at Home

Before your next family gathering, start practicing turn-taking during familiar play.
For example:

• Roll a ball back and forth — “My turn… your turn!”

• Stack blocks together — take turns adding one.

• Stir batter while baking — “You stir, now Mommy’s turn!”

Keeping it playful helps your child learn the rhythm of sharing, not just the rule.

2. Use Visual Supports

Visuals make abstract ideas more concrete. Try:

• A turn-taking card that flips from “My Turn” to “Your Turn.”

• A timer (like a sand timer or visual timer app) to show when it’s almost time to switch turns.

These supports reduce arguments by giving your child something clear to look at and understand, not just your words.

3. Reinforce the Behavior You Want to See

When your child does share or wait patiently, even for a few seconds, praise immediately:

“I love how you waited for your turn!”
“You shared your toy with your cousin, that was kind!”

Pair your praise with smiles, hugs, or a high-five. This makes sharing feel rewarding and worth repeating.

When the Big Day Arrives

Family gatherings are full of excitement (and unpredictability). Remember:

• Keep your child’s favorite toy or comfort item nearby.

• Plan short breaks if your child needs space.

• Keep expectations realistic. Even one or two successful turns are a win!

And most importantly, celebrate progress, not perfection. Every shared toy, every patient wait, every “your turn” is a step forward.