"Not all children like physical play, some prefer quieter play. Some need the direction of an adult initially."

There are children who may find it difficult to interact with others if they have problems with sharing or accepting loss.

Dr Chong explained the rationale for such behaviour: "They are not gracious enough to let others have what seems good."

Young children, especially those under three years old, do not fully grasp the concept of sharing or of losing to others as they are exclusively self-centred at this stage.

Older children may understand the need to share or that they may not be the best at everything, but they may find that losing is embarrassing or they may prefer not to participate in games if they think they are going to lose.

Asked how parents can teach their children the importance of sharing, Dr Chong said children should be taught such social skills from a young age.

She advised parents to practise fairness in daily life and not to take sides with siblings; always apportion food or gifts equally among the children and let them know that equal time will be allocated to them.

Praising children when they take the initiative to share things with others or play nicely will also create a virtuous cycle as they are encouraged to repeat such good behaviour.

This article was first published in Mind Your Body, The Straits Times on Oct 9, 2008.