"I can't get this stupid [blank] to work!" my mother would say, "I think you have the stupid in the wrong place [in that sentence]."

Hee, I have to add this to my list of mommy sayings too.

We came from large families where sharing was learned pretty quick. We learned hiding our stuff early too.

"I'd take it from him if I could but he's at an age right now where he just doesn't do that well."

"Interesting. I, myself, am at an age where I don't tolerate stupid excuses for parents not taking responsibility for their child's behavior or for taking measures to correct inappropriate behavior. According to Dr. Spock, the best way to handle my 'phase' is to give vent to my frustrations. So, on the advice of a world-renowned child-rearing specialist, I will say: TAKE THE NECKLACE FROM YOUR SON AND IF HE PUTS UP A FUSS DISCIPLINE HIM...OR I WILL.

My house. My rules. If you don't like it, take your snotty little brat and go home."

I think my problem is that I was hoping the mom would get all that MM said from my semi-incredulous look.

I wonder what would have happened if you had to say, "I'm sorry Ellie's hitting him over the head with a stick, but she's at an age when she likes to do that."

Fay, there's something your parents have kept from you. Everyone sucks at being an adult. We all get the impression from our parents that there's some age at which we magically stop fucking up, because when we're little, adults seem so much more competent. In fact, they're all out there forgetting their visas, not taking their medicine, always paying late charges on their credit cards, making stupid impulse purchases and invading Iraq.

I wonder what would have happened if you had to say, "I'm sorry Ellie's hitting him over the head with a stick, but she's at an age when she likes to do that."

"I'd stop her if I could...oh, dear, now she's got the matches. Well, what can you do with them at this age, eh? Ha ha. More brie?"

Sounds like she just doesn't like to make her kid scream. That's just part of the job. I'm usually embarrassed when my kids throw fits at other people's houses, but I wouldn't fail to take something away from them and use the opportunity to practice learning to share. It sucks, but it's not like other parents haven't heard kids scream before. Everyone gets over it pretty quickly.

It is always a fine line when you have to choose your battles as a parent, but obviously from her words, she hasn't figured out that there is even the existence of that line.

In meme news. I woke up late and have the lazies. I think I'm gonna work from home today. No one else is in the office - which should make me WANT to go in, but alas, apathy has me snuggled in bed, in my pj's, vpn'ing in.

I take my cues from the other parent when I'm at their house. Example: My friend would always allow her son, Ethan, to pick ONE toy that was his "special". He didn't have to share that toy because it helped him cope. I didn't mind that because if he was attached to it, Owen had to learn to respect that.

Other than that, the two of the kids learned very well to take turns. there were sometimes tears and fights over toys, but we hashed it out, no matter what. That's what makes the job tough.

I try to redirect Owen and Liv from taking toys from each other but I can't always stop it (or see it happen). Most kids can learn to defend themselves and will eventually learn to share but it helps if parents teach them the basics, first.

My friend would always allow her son, Ethan, to pick ONE toy that was his "special".

I think this can be a good idea. Ellie has a few toys that go upstairs before friends come over so they don't have to be shared.

Ellie has a few toys that go upstairs before friends come over so they don't have to be shared.

I did this type of thing with both my kids. Also reminded them that when other kids are over that they are the guests. Teaching sharing is not easy. I know I haven't learned to do it well, though I have cut back on the temper tantrums.