To not force my toddler to 'share'

[livinginazoo]

If my 2 y.o. is playing nicely with a little fire engine at playgroup (and has been for 5 mins or so), minding his own business, AIBU to tell the bossy mother of a 3 y.o. that no- in fact my son does NOT want to swap his little fire engine for another toy (of many many available at the place) just because her 3 y.o. is having a major stroppy fit and wants it NOW. Seriously, I had to physically stop that woman and say no! Sharing is one thing, grabbing too, but this situation only arose because of her appalling parenting skills and spoiled brat. How is this teaching children to interact with each other or become self-sufficient? Same child took to throwing hard toys at the littler toddlers afterwards, and no that yummy mummy did not say a word to him to stop him, or attempt to comfort/apologise for his actions. The mind boggles.

Ooops just seen it was your friend it happened to and not you

I am beginning to realise that the fault is mother and toddler groups! They are terrible I agree. However, if you are at home with your child and they are too young for preschool, it is so good for them to get out and learn interactions with other children above and beyond the few they are used to. I think anyway.

Nancydrew, those groups are not relaxing and definitely not for chatting over and beyond a few polite words, as toddlers need supervision!! If not yours will be the one running like a manic brandishing a fully loaded paint brush and aiming for the wall!! ;-)

Now I did not "physically" stop as in grab the woman's arm, but metaphorically as in a polite "ummm excuse me" (in a super polite, quiet, very non-shouty voice). Am not that brave!! Dearie me. (My fault, will use more accurate language next time I post)!

Yanbu
Children need to learn to respect the boundaries of others. How are they going to do that when they see mummy tearing toys out of other childrens' hands.

tiredgranny
I presume you are new to MN, so welcome. You may not know, but typing in capitals is the internet equivalent to shouting at someone. More people will read your post and reply to you if you write in lower case.

Children get nothing from toddler groups except tummy bugs. If you want adult company, join a book group or a mums get together group that can meet in the evening.

Afraid that I am of the ilk that bugs are good for my children, builds that immune system up! ;-)

YANBU. My DD and DN both go to the same childminder. They are the youngest children she has and are often with her on their own. She's been teaching them that if one of them is playing nicely with a toy and the other decides that they want it, the one with the toy must say no and wag their finger. She will then rotate the toys after a short time.

What makes me laugh is that it even works at home. My DH often asks for a cuddle when DD and I are having some time together, DD will wag her finger and say "no daddy" with a cross look on her face. It is funny to see and I think our CM has a great handle on how to deal with it.

Sorry - bath time.

She put her straight. She isnt one to mince words.

Can you imagine?! What would you do? I think I would be too stunned to speak. Rush off and start an aibu