How to Stop Children From Taking Toys From Others

Though the concept of sharing items may seem obvious to parents, children may struggle when it comes to understanding another child's boundaries. Left unchecked, a child may continue taking toys from others while the victims are left feeling angry and resentful. Parents can nip this behavior in the bud before it causes serious problems between siblings and friends. You have several strategies at your fingertips that can prevent or limit a child from taking toys from others.

Instructions

    • 1

      Consider the possible sources of the behavior. Does your child snatch toys from others in retaliation? Taking objects from others may also be an example of bullying behavior, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. It could be an attempt to get attention from parents or a way for jealous children to punish siblings.

    • 2

      Explain that your child should never grab toys away from others. Though you may be inclined to issue punishment for breaking the rules, it is important that your child first knows and understands the rules, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

    • 3

      Provide enough toys for all of the children to have multiple options for play, which may reduce conflict when it comes to playtime, and show children how to take turns playing with toys. Parents may want to set a timer, encouraging children to exchange toys when the timer runs out, suggests Dr. William Sears.

    • 4

      Allow children to put away special toys before guests arrive. Children may be more inclined to take the toy away from others if sharing of toys is forced, according to Dr. Sears.

    • 5

      Issue a time-out if your child repeatedly takes toys away from other children. Parents may want to issue time-outs that last one minute for each year of the child's age for the most effectiveness, according to KidsHealth.org. No matter the punishment chosen, make sure that you can follow through on any threats you make. Empty threats and a lack of consistency in discipline may make your child feel that it is still acceptable to take toys from others.

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