Here is a question. What makes something fair?

Part of being fair is following the rules. Simple board games and card games help kids practice. They practice rules and taking turns.

Young kids often yell, "That's not fair!" Even very young kids understand what is fair.

Babies seem to notice unfair sharing. They look longer at unfair outcomes.

Studies in many places found something. Kids dislike getting less than another kid.

Toddlers under 3 are often reluctant to share. They do not yet understand what sharing means.

Young kids know they should be fair. But they often still keep more for themselves. Learning to share takes time.

Kids learn to share by playing with other kids. They learn to take turns that way too. Taking turns is one way to share.

Two kids share a toy. Each one gets an equal turn. A timer can show when a turn is over.

A child can keep a few special things. These are just for them. A child does not have to share everything.

Kids often get better at sharing around age seven or eight.

"I cut, you choose" is an old way to split a cake. It is a standard way for two people. The one who cuts makes two pieces. They think the pieces are equal.

Words to know

• toddlers: very young children
• equal: the same
• timer: turn clock
• standard: usual
• rules: what to follow