What do you do when one takes a toy away from the other?

My girls have started both going for the same toy, or one has a toy and the other takes it away, and then the one left empty handed starts crying. They don't know what they are doing so reprimanding them is pointless. I just try to distract the crying one and make her forget about the toy. Is this wrong?

 

Great question! Our babies are about the same age.

Seamus ALWAYS takes Nicholas toy. If they both have one, he drops his and rolls over to take N's. N tries to hang on but usually cant! He does not get upset. It is just a matter of time though.

I usually give the toy back to N. I dont want S to think he can always take what his brother has right out of his hands. I know there is no lesson being taught right now as they are basically exploring, right?? I would love to hear others responses to this too. It kind of makes me nervous that this is a sign of what will be coming in the next few months.

 

That is funny that you posted this because I am going through the same thing with my girls! They are about the same age as yours. I've been wondering too what is the best way to handle it. I have just been giving back the toy to the one who had it first and try to distract the other baby. It doesn't always work though. It must be something about this age...

 

My girl's are still doing that, I'm just hoping that it doesn't go on forever. I've even tried buying the same toy and that doesn't work Sky will drop hers and take Riley's right out of her hand.

 

I just let them fight for it, unless someone was playing for the same toy for a long time then ill give it back to him.. I figure there going to need to learn to share, this will go on forever!
misty

 

I deal with this everyday too. Emilie is always taking Trevor's toys away. I just tell her no and give it back to Trevor or try and give her another toy or put her somewhere else. Although this hasn't worked, but I'm hoping it will end eventually.

 

Mine are doing the same thing. When one takes the toy away I try to distract the other with a new toy, but then that gets taken away too. I got out the videocamera this week and taped them taking a book back and forth when they were surrounded by many wonderful toys. How funny!

 

I have older kids and this happens no matter if they are twins or not. Best try to let them work it out and not intervene. Talk about sharing, especailly if you catch them sharing food or toys, tell them how nice it is to share. That positive reinforcement goes a lot farther than taking a toy away and giving it back to the first child. I do sometimes try to find a toy for the one without.

Cindy

 

I take the toy and give it back and say no he was playing with it and give a different toy to the grabber.

 

My girls do this all the time. I usually let them fight it out. If it gets bad or one starts crying I will eigher take it away and give it back to the one who had it girst or I will take it away completly. I feel they need to learn to work things out on their own.

 

I also take it away and give it back to the brother that lost it. Eventually they will have to share it, probably in timed intervals.

 

The Golden Rule in our house is "You have to wait until the first kid is done, then you can have your turn!" If they steal toys and the other starts crying I give the toy back and redirect the offender. If there is no crying, then I let it go, no need to fix something that isn't bothering anybody.