Cooperation means working with others toward a shared goal: not leaving all the work to someone else, and not taking over everything either. It is a skill children need at home, at school and later at work, and it can be practised every day.
Do jobs together
Invite your child to help with household tasks alongside you, not alone. Folding laundry together, carrying shopping bags or tidying the living room as a team shows that everyone contributes. Choose tasks that suit their age and strength.
Give everyone a role
In a shared task, give each person a clear part: “You hand me the plates, I’ll put them away.” Clear roles make cooperation easier for young children and show that every part matters.
Share a goal, then celebrate together
Finishing a big puzzle or building a tower as a family turns “my success” into “our success”. Celebrate the result together and mention how each person helped.
Teach turn-taking and sharing
Games with turns are one of the easiest ways to practise waiting, sharing and accepting the result. The Wooden Balance and the Folding Throwing Sandbag Tent are designed for playing together.
Notice cooperation when it happens
“You helped your sister finish her drawing. That was kind.” Naming cooperative behaviour helps your child recognise it and repeat it.
Handle conflicts calmly
When children argue over a toy, help them find a fair solution instead of deciding for them: take turns, set a timer or play with it together.
Browse Active Play Toys, or choose “Playing together and turn-taking” in the Smart Guide.