Was I wrong to make my 2 year old do this?

[milliec]

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no, you weren't too harsh. I know someone who was accused of shoplifting in these circumstances!

I think you were a bit tbh...lol..bet she wont be doing that anytime soon...or she could become a kleptomaniac..

As long as it's over and done with now, I don't think you were too harsh.

Sorry think you probably were a wee bit harsh there. Fair enough to tell her why its wrong especially because you had already explained she couldn't have it, I would have been a bit cross and told her why and then gently encouraged her to apologise herself but personally I wouldn't have forced her.

Apologising to other adults you don't know is so scary, for adults! let alone 2 year olds.

I would have done exacty the same as you miliec

i think you did the right thing

I would have done the same too! You didn't have a choice.

You were right to take it back and you were right to make her give it back to the lady but I wouldn't go on about it. Your DD cried because she wanted the toy rather than because you made her take it back iyswim

nope spot on

Lovely mummy ! Tough decision. You did the right thing, it's normal for a child to be upset when they don't get their own way - I agree with NAB and would have done the same.

(Suddenly realises shes a lightweight)...when my DD did something similar I just said it was unexceptable and took the toy back!

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Hmm, you have asked for opinion, so: your op does sound rather harsh - "marched her into the shop" - really? She's only 2. I find a bit of gentle conversation and explanation goes a whole lot further, 2 year olds really try quite hard to do the right thing more often than the wrong.

my sister was the same age when she stole a wooden smelly thing for the car from Asda or somewhere. My mum made her take it back and apologise to the customer service woman.

I think you did the right thing personally - the sooner they learn the big lessons, the better IMO and as long as you aren't holding it over her then it's fine isn't it. Not like it's done any long term damage - all she had to do was take it back (cos it wasn't hers) and say sorry (cos she had been naughty)... I don't see the issue myself

I have done exactly the same.

It didn't stop her from trying to pocket some creme eggs in woollies the other day though

Wow. The standards by which we judge 2-year-olds.

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I think it's a bit harsh. I would have gone in and paid for it

My mum did just the same thing to me when I was little. I was old enough to remember it, but young enough for my mum to carry me back into the shop. I never did it again. Not too harsh at all.

I'd do the same - explanation, make him/her make amends (ie, return the item and say sorry), and then it's over with.

I wouldn't go on about it or shout or anything. FWIW, I don't think it's quite stealing, in the true sense of the word with a child so young, but taking things that don't belong to them is wrong, and they need to learn that.

I'd pretty much do the same thing I'd do if they snatched a toy from another child.

really mrsruffalo?

My DD used to take things off shelves when she was in her buggy and I didn't see her. I particularly remember getting home and finding a tin of condensed milk clutched in her chubby little hands (never used it, am too fat to go making banoffee pie) and a pair of scholl inserts you know the ones - supposed to make your shoes less smelly.

But had I known she'd taken them, we'd have gone back to the shop with them. So I think you did the right thing Walnut.

You are often sensible, ruff, I find.

Did the poor child think "I'll steal this and break the law, that'll show my mum!" or, possibly feel cross and want some immediate gratification/power in the form of revenge? It's an adult world, but we are not all adults.

I'd say it was the second for sure walnut, but she still needs to learn not to do it surely? What will paying for it (and letting her keep it, presumably?) teach her?

Would have done the exact same thing
Not too harsh in the slightest