AIBU in my methods to try and teach DD?

[PinkToeNails]

My DD is 17 months. Whenever we're in a group situation with other children - baby clinic, birthday parties, play groups etc - I always keep an eye on her and if I see her snatching toys from other children I'll try and stop her, or I will take the toy off her and give it back to the other child. However it seems as though I'm the only one who thinks this way because DD is always having toys snatched from her and the parents/carers don't do anything.

It may be that they're not looking as the children often look much older (3/4 years old) so perhaps they don't need to be watched so closely. DD usually ends up in tears with me trying to distract her, which, I have to admit doesn't take too long. However, I feel as though I'm teaching her to let people walk all over her. I don't feel that it's my place to take toys from other children to give back to DD.

She is an only child so at home she can play with whatever she wants to most of the time (toys of course) but I'm trying to teach her to share/not assume that she can have everything she wants when there are others involved.

Should I just let the children grab from each other, and still keep a watchful eye to make sure the situation doesn't get nasty?

My son is a bit older now and at school but I did make a point of taking stuff back off children that took things off him or kind of intercepting before they could take completely (if that makes sense) when we were out as I didnt want him to be a pushover as you say. Its hard to know when to let them figure it out for themselves but I always take the view that if no one is going to step in when their kid is snatching then they cant expect you to not say something. you just have to remember that your kid has just as much right to be there as they do.

I agree with your methods tbh. It's just a sad fact that not all parents can be arsed necessarily make it one of their priorities to keep an eye on their children to make sure they play fairly. x

Thanks for your feedback. I will try and intercept to make it fairer for DD in the future. Maybe I will even take the toys back if they snatch them from DD and just explain why when I'm dong it.

I would interfere if someone snatches from your child. If the parent objects, tough. I doubt they would actually and would mostly thank you for your intervention. I am a neglectful prefer chatting to other mums than hovering round my kid mum and I wouldn't mind at all if you took a toy back from my child and said something polite like, "She had it first, you can have a turn in a minute." Doesn't need to be a lecture on sharing for a stranger's child.

Agree with merry... defend your DD without chastising other children.

Thanks Merry...I was thinking more along the lines of what you suggested. If I did try and lecture them my mono tones would probably send them to sleep.