Everyday Challenges at Keen Kidz: Sharing, Routine Changes and Working Through Problems Together
Some of the hardest moments in early childhood are also some of the most ordinary. A toy is snatched, a favourite activity is taken, a Monday morning feels different from a Friday, and suddenly the whole day feels a little harder.
These everyday challenges are part of learning how to live alongside other people, and at Keen Kidz we see them as valuable opportunities for growth.
This year, we have seen many children work through these situations, and we have learned a great deal from them. Here are some of the approaches we use, and some ideas you can try at home.
Learning to Share
Sharing is one of the first big social skills children are asked to master, and it doesn’t come naturally to most toddlers. A young child’s sense of “mine” is strong, and that’s developmentally normal.
Expecting a two or three year old to share perfectly every time sets everyone up for disappointment.
In our Montessori sessions, we encourage sharing in small, practical ways. Children learn by watching their peers, by taking turns with materials, and by being given time to finish their work before passing it on.
We also teach children simple phrases they can use, such as “Can I have a turn when you’re finished?” or “Would you like to share?”
Some things that help at home include:
- Use a visible timer. Children can see how long they need to wait, which makes turn-taking feel fairer.
- Model sharing yourself. Children learn far more from what they see than what they’re told.
- Praise the moment, not the perfect behaviour. Noticing when a child shares, even briefly, helps them recognise what good sharing feels like.
- Accept that it takes time. Sharing is a skill that develops over many months, not a rule to be mastered in a single afternoon.
Handling Changes in Routine
Children feel most secure when they know what to expect. That’s why our day has a predictable rhythm, with free play, circle time, the Montessori hour, dance and stories, and time in the garden.
When something changes, whether it’s a different collection time, a new staff member, or a day off for a holiday, it can unsettle even the most easy-going child.
We try to prepare children for change wherever we can. Where possible, we talk about what’s coming up, show children pictures or use simple visual cues, and give them time to ask questions. A reminder such as “After circle time, we’re going outside” can make a big difference.
At home, you can support children in similar ways. Talking through what’s going to happen, using a simple picture schedule, and keeping familiar comforts in place during busy periods all help. If a change can’t be avoided, a calm, matter-of-fact explanation often works better than trying to hide it.
Please also remember that children often show their feelings about change in behaviour rather than words. A child who is clingy, tearful, or more unsettled than usual may simply be telling us they need a little extra reassurance.
Helping Children Solve Problems
Every disagreement is a chance for a child to practise thinking about other people’s feelings and finding a way forward. Rather than stepping in to fix every problem, we aim to guide children through it.
When two children are in conflict, our team will stay calm, help each child say how they feel, and support them to think of a solution together. Children are not expected to get it right straight away. They are learning, one small moment at a time, that conflicts can be resolved and that friendships can be repaired.
Our behaviour approach is built on respect and clear boundaries. We do not use punishment. Instead, we focus on understanding why a behaviour happened, helping a child reflect on what they did, and supporting them to make things right.
Children are asked to apologise when appropriate, but we also make sure they understand what they can do differently next time.
Working Together at Home and at Keen Kidz
Many of the challenges children face are easier to manage when home and our setting use similar approaches. If your child is struggling with sharing, routine changes, or a particular situation, please tell us.
We can share what’s working for us, and you can tell us what helps at home. Together, we can create a consistent experience that helps your child feel secure.
We are always happy to talk through any concerns. If you’re worried about something your child is experiencing, or you’d simply like some ideas for supporting them, our team is here to help.
Get in Touch
If you’d like to talk about how your child is getting on with sharing, routines, or everyday challenges, we would love to hear from you.
You can reach our team at hello@keenkidz.ie or call 051 821732 / 085 743 7701. We’re happy to arrange a visit so you can see our approach for yourself.
Because at Keen Kidz, every child, every day, matters, including the everyday moments that help them grow.
