Social Skills
Free Stories
Free Social Stories About Sharing
Sharing is one of the hardest social skills for young children to learn — and it is especially challenging for children with autism, ADHD, or developmental differences. Social stories explain why we share, how it makes others feel, and offer practical strategies like using a timer or trading toys.
Frequently Asked Questions
Children with autism may struggle with sharing because they have difficulty understanding others' perspectives (Theory of Mind), may have intense attachments to specific objects, or may not intuitively grasp the social reciprocity behind sharing. Social stories explicitly teach these unwritten rules in a concrete, visual way.
Read the story before playdates, trips to the park, or any situation where sharing will be expected. Practice with low-stakes items first (crayons, snacks) before high-value toys. After the playdate, praise specific sharing moments: "I saw you let Max use the red truck — that was great sharing!"
Meltdowns around sharing are normal, especially early on. The social story helps over time by building understanding. In the moment, validate the feeling ("I know it's hard to share your favorite toy"), offer a timer ("You can have it back in 2 minutes"), and avoid forcing sharing of comfort objects.
Want a personalized story for your child?
GrowTale creates custom social stories featuring your child's name, appearance, and specific situation — from $2.99 per story.
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