INFLUENCE OF BED-SHARING ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SKILLS OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN JOS NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

Abstract
This study investigated the influence of Bed-sharing on the development of social skills of
preschool children in Jos North Local Government Area, Plateau State, Nigeria. Four
objectives, three research questions and two null hypotheses were raised to guide the study. A
survey research design was used and a four-point Scale questionnaire titled “Bed-Sharing and
Social Skills Questionnaire (BSSSQ)” was employed to collect data. The data was analysed
using descriptive statistics (Frequency Percentages and Mean Scores), while chi-square was
used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The study found thatbed-sharing
influences the development of sharing skills among preschool children in Jos North. The
findings suggest that sharing a bed with siblings may help promote space-sharing, generosity,
and a willingness to share personal belongings. However, while bed-sharing encourages some
aspects of sharing behaviour, its impact on deeper concepts like fairness and toy-sharing
appears limited, indicating that other factors such as adult guidance and structured play are
also important in helping children fully develop effective sharing skills. The research
recommended among other things that; Parents and caregivers should encourage bed-sharing
among siblings to help promote early sharing skills like space-sharing and generosity.
Teachers and caregivers should provide structured play activities that teach fairness and
taking turns to help children develop more complete sharing skills