Helping Your Child Learn to Take Turns (Without the Tears!)

Hi, I’m Rochelle! A paediatric occupational therapist and founder of Beelieve Paediatric Therapy, where we help children with disabilities build confidence, independence, and meaningful life skills through playful, family-centred therapy.

Every child is unique, and we’re passionate about meeting families where they’re at with realistic strategies that are low-cost, low-prep, and most importantly… fun! We believe therapy should feel like play, and that families are the heart of the journey.

One skill that often pops up in our therapy goals and day-to-day parenting challenges is turn-taking. Whether it’s playing a game, waiting for a swing, or sharing toys with siblings, turn-taking is one of the key foundations of early social interaction.

But here’s the thing: taking turns isn’t always easy to teach (or learn). It’s not just about sharing, it’s about self-regulation, communication, waiting, and understanding others. And like most developmental skills, it doesn't just happen overnight. It grows with practice, support, and playful repetition from toddlerhood right through to the primary school years.

So let’s explore why turn-taking matters, when and how it typically develops, and most importantly, how you can support your child to take turns at home using simple, engaging activities (yes, even bubbles and balloons count!).

Why Is Turn Taking Important?

Turn taking lays the foundation for so many things: sharing, cooperating, making friends, managing emotions, and being part of a group. It’s not just about being polite, it teaches children how to:

• Wait without frustration

• Watch and listen to others

• Regulate their emotions

• Predict and understand social rules

• Play successfully with others

When children can take turns, they’re better prepared for kindy, school, and everyday interactions with family and friends.

What Does Turn Taking Look Like at Different Ages?

Turn taking looks different depending on your child’s age and developmental stage.

Around 2–3 years: Turn taking might begin with an adult saying, “Your turn, now my turn!” during simple games like rolling a ball or building with blocks. It’s all about helping your child notice the pattern of give and take.

By 4–5 years: Children begin to understand and follow simple rules in play. You might see them wait for a turn on the swing or take turns during a board game with help from an adult.

From 6–9 years: Turn taking becomes more complex. Children learn to negotiate, adapt to others' ideas, and take turns in conversation, not just in play.

Common Challenges with Turn Taking

Some children find turn taking especially tricky. You might notice:

• Grabbing toys instead of waiting

• Meltdowns when it’s not their turn

• Avoiding group play all together

• Constant talking in conversation without pausing

These challenges can stem from difficulties with communication, emotional regulation, or understanding social cues, all things we support every day at Beelieve Paediatric Therapy.

Easy Everyday Activities to Build Turn Taking

You don’t need fancy games or expensive toys. Turn taking can be practised in lots of low-prep, fun ways at home:

1. Balloons and Bubbles

These are great for young kids! Blow a bubble and say, “Your turn to pop!” or take turns batting a balloon back and forth. These activities create a natural back-and-forth rhythm and are a huge hit with little ones.

2. Snack Time Switch

Take turns choosing snacks from a bowl or giving each other pieces. Try saying, “You give one, I give one,” to reinforce the turn pattern. This helps build patience and sharing in a low-pressure way.

3. Favourite Toy Play

Use toys your child loves. Take turns driving cars down a ramp, stacking blocks, or making animal noises with puppets. Tailoring the activity to their interests helps keep them engaged longer, even if taking turns is tricky at first.

4. Board Games or Dice Games

Games like “Pop Up Pirate,” “Snakes and Ladders,” or dice rolling games are great for school-aged kids. Use visual turn cards or timers if your child struggles with waiting.

Tips to Support Turn Taking at Home

Here are some tried-and-true ways to help children learn and practice turn taking:

1. Model it clearly

Use simple language like, “My turn,” “Your turn,” and show what that looks like. Narrate what’s happening so your child can connect the words with the action.

2. Use visual supports

Timers, turn-taking cards, or even pointing to who’s next can help reduce anxiety and make it easier to wait.

3. Keep it short and positive

Start with just 1–2 turn exchanges and praise each success. Gradually build up as your child gains confidence.

4. Name the feelings

If your child finds it hard to wait or give something up, help them name that feeling: “It’s hard to wait your turn when you’re excited!” This builds emotional regulation over time.

When to Seek Support

If turn taking continues to cause distress for your child or if they’re avoiding social play altogether, it might be time to chat with your occupational therapist. At Beelieve Paediatric Therapy, we work closely with families to build turn taking skills through play-based strategies tailored to each child’s needs.

The Bottom Line

Turn taking is a skill that takes time, repetition, and patience. Whether you’re playing with bubbles, building towers, or chatting around the dinner table, every little moment helps your child build the social and emotional tools they need to thrive.

Need help with social play, turn taking, or group readiness skills? Reach out to Beelieve Paediatric Therapy today – we’re here to help your child grow, connect, and shine.

You’ve got this, and I’m cheering you on every step of the way.

Bee-lieve in your little one (and yourself too!)

Rochelle 🐝