How should I have handled this? - Page 2

[woodchick]

Originally Posted by blessedwithboys

hmmm, i guess i'm the lone voice of dissent. i think in this situation i may just have let my ds handle it on his own. if he wasnt upset, i probably wouldnt have felt the need to swoop in and "fix" it for him. each kid is different of course, but i really dont think you should be too hard on yourself mama. i dont see it as you letting your LO down, i see it as you showing you trust him to know how to take care of himselfand letting our LOs feel that confidence and trust int hem is part of our job

I agree with this.

I'd read DD's reaction to the situation and then decide if I needed to step in or not. I think OP did just fine. Sure, it wasn't great that the little girl was being greedy, but her son didn't freak out. Next time if he reacts differently some of the suggestions here would work great.

[2goingon2]

Originally Posted by Luke's mama

Sorry, mamas, but I think that thing with the chocolate bar sounds really mean--especially for a little child! If you need to discipline them or teach a lesson, ok, but don't draw it out in a long torturous way because that is just not appropriate for a little fellow who is just learning how to share and has a short attention span. Surely as adults we should use our powers for good, not for more innovative ways to put one over on kids.

True that. I'm sure it would have made a lasting impression on the child but not a good one. I wouldn't feel good about myself for doing that to a child AND for teaching my little one that cruelty is what works when dealing with others.

To the OP - I probably would have said something to the little girl before she took all the trains. Something like - we need to share or please don't take all the trains. I might have even asked where her parents were. Sounds like your little boy was okay and the way you handled the situation was fine. My toddler is only 2 so I feel like I need to step in before a melt down ensues sometimes.