Oh.My.God. How do I deal with the "MINE" phase?

eshaffer

I'm not sure if this usually happens at a younger age for most kids since DS didn't start talking until a few months ago, but DS will be 3 in January and we're just starting to deal with it. And it's baaaad.

It seems to only happen at our house, but no one is allowed to touch his toys, dog, etc. Last week when his speech therapist was there, he was playing with DS's toys (in an attempt to draw words out of him,) but he was getting so upset yelling "MINE." OMG.

We had a playdate at my house yesterday, and DS was a wreck. "My puppy, no my toy, no my swing, no my slide, my house. Mine mine mine mine." So embarrassing. Afterwards I'm not sure why I tried reasoning with him, but I explained that he went to Devon's house and played with his toys and he let him. He said yes. I said he went to Dante's house and he let him play with his toys. "yes." So I explained that when kids come to our house he needs to share his toys.  "No. Mine. All mine." He shares great at other people's houses, it's never been an issue until within the last week.

Please.help. I'm at a loss.

becoming_untied

We have battled that at our house too, but not much because we RARELY ever have playdates since we are never home.

I like how you talked him through things a bit.  You could also try another quick playdate and prep him "what toys do you want to share while your friend is here?"  What special toys do you not want to share? - we can put those away."  Prep your friend too so they know you are working on this.

I also pleasantly said "Yes!  That is yours!"  Let's see if we can take turns while friend is here.  Do you want your turn first?  Then set a timer or sing a song until it is the other person's turn.

Or just skip playdates all together until this phase passes, and it will (mostly).  Good luck!