Best Board Games to Teach Children the Art of Sharing

Why Sharing Is So Hard—And So Important

When your child refuses to take turns or melts down when losing a game, it doesn’t mean they’re selfish. It means they’re still learning how to manage disappointment, navigate social interactions, and understand that joy can still be found in shared experiences. Between ages 6 and 12, kids are developing empathy, seeing others’ points of view, and reining in emotional impulses. This is perfect timing to gently guide them toward constructive behaviors—and board games can quietly do just that.

Board Games as Social Skill Builders

Unlike abstract lectures about kindness or rules of fairness, board games give children living, breathing moments in which sharing isn’t theoretical—it’s the gateway to fun. A cooperative game that requires all players to pool resources creates a micro-world where generosity and patience are not optional but integral to success.

Many families turn to sports or group activities for this kind of learning, but for some children—especially those who struggle with social anxiety, attention challenges, or learning differences—fast-paced or competitive settings can be overstimulating or overwhelming. At home, around a table, board games slow the pace and make skill-building feel safe and embedded in joyful play.

In fact, peaceful or cooperative games can soothe tensions between siblings and reduce that intense need to ‘win’ at everything.

Top Games That Nurture Sharing and Cooperation

When you choose games to foster sharing, it's less about the advertised age range and more about the type of gameplay. Here are some categories and examples that encourage turn-taking, empathy, collaboration, and team-minded thinking:

• Cooperative Board Games: These are ideal because players work together toward a shared goal. Titles like Outfoxed!, Zombie Kidz Evolution, or Forbidden Island all require joint decision-making, compromise, and trust. For kids new to the realm of sharing, these games lower defensiveness and replace rivalry with camaraderie.
• Resource Exchange Games: Games like Catan Junior or Dragonwood introduce mechanics of trading and negotiation. Children learn that sometimes giving up something voluntarily helps everyone—something they don’t often get to practice in real life.
• Storytelling and Roleplay Games: Games that encourage players to build stories or characters together, like Rory's Story Cubes or Once Upon a Time, place a high value on listening, contributing collaboratively, and accepting each other’s ideas. These games foster emotional generosity—an unsung yet vital part of sharing.

If your child enjoys storytelling games, you might also consider audio playtime as a screen-free bonding moment. The iOS or Android versions of the LISN Kids App offer access to original audiobooks and immersive audio series designed for children 3–12. These stories often present characters facing moral dilemmas or learning to share, giving your child a narrative model for real-life behavior.

Timing and Framing Matter

Introducing games meant to teach sharing when your child is already stressed or emotionally dysregulated can backfire. Instead, choose quieter moments—weekend mornings, after-dinner wind-downs, or family game nights. Set the tone by saying, “Let’s work as a team on this one,” or “Let’s see what happens when we help each other.”

If your child doesn’t want to share a piece, trade cards, or accept another player’s move, pause the game. Talk through the feelings. Ask, “How would you feel if that happened to you?” Over time, moments like these can become less confrontational and more curious as your child begins to reflect before reacting—which is, in many ways, the heart of real sharing.

Make Connection, Not Perfection, the Goal

It can be tempting to correct every gasp of “That’s mine!” or “No, I won’t share!” but it helps to remember that sharing is a skill like any other. It requires guidance, practice, and a low-pressure setting. The beauty of board games is that they let kids try—and sometimes fail—without judgment. And as they begin to succeed at collaboration in play, you're likely to see those lessons spill into daily life.

Looking for more ideas on choosing the right game for your child’s mood and developmental needs? Explore our guides on the best board games for rainy days, 7-year-old birthday parties, and boosting kids' creativity through play.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, you're not trying to raise a child who always shares without protest. You're nurturing someone who understands how their actions affect others, finds joy in collective play, and builds relationships through mutual respect. Games don’t just fill time; they build character—and sometimes, they’re the pathways to kinder, more balanced moments between siblings and playmates.