Toddlers and Toy-snatching
Playing is an essential activity for your curious toddler’s mental and social development. As he learns to play with others, you may find him on the victim end of a toy-snatching incident. Tears and frustration usually follow, and you might wonder if your toddler should stand up for himself. He might even be the perpetrator in the incident.
Once they have mastered how to walk, toddlers become very interested to interact with other children their age. They lack the empathy to understand that snatching a toy hurts the victim. Even the best toddler buddies frustrate and hurt each other without meaning to. Some toddlers understand the concept of sharing, but are nonetheless more interested to satisfy their own desires.
What you can do
If he is the victim, you have to be around and stand up for him. Do stay calm and avoid aggravating the other child or his parents. Remember that you are his role model. He needs to see that conflict resolution is possible without resorting to aggression.
If he is the snatcher, gently return the toy and explain how this makes the other toddler feel. You could teach him how to negotiate, understand, and take turns. Do note that he may not be ready to learn this just yet, so be patient.
