Father gets into dispute with another mother at Christmas party, after catching her child stealing his daughter's snacks, instead of taking accountability, she accuses him of poor parenting: 'It isn’t teaching sharing, it’s teaching entitlement'

Is "Sharing is Caring" a thing of the past? 

Each parent has their own "special" techniques when it comes to raising their kids, so is it fair to judge those who choose to do it definitely to you? We all know the worst kinds of parents are the ones who genuinely believe their children can do no wrong, that the sun revolves around them, and everyone else is just lucky to witness it. But the truth is, if you don't ever teach your children the words "no" or "wrong," they're destined to experience a lot more shock and disappointment as they grow older…

It is essential that children learn that "getting their way" isn't the only way. But how does one go about teaching that lesson both gently and successfully? Well, if you'd like to take a lesson in What Not To Do…We have a great story for you! 

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  • During a colleague Christmas party, hosting spouses and children, there was a little drama that sparked as a result of a little Tutti Frutti Tug-of-War…between two…you guessed it, toddlers! As you can imagine, there were lots of tears, and he said, she said…Let's rewind: 

    While the children were playing together, snacks and gifts were distributed to the kids equally. Whilst they were outside, one of the fathers heard his daughter crying from afar. When he went over there, he discovered that another child was trying to take her snack fruits away from her, despite already eating the ones they were given. He calmly gave his daughter the choice of choosing to share if she wished, but before she could decide for herself, the other child's mother quickly inserted herself into the situation, looking as though she was about to blow a fuse. This father barely got a chance to explain the situation before she was pointing fingers and accusing him of poor parenting for not insisting his daughter give up her own snacks! Nor did she even consider reprimanding her own child's actions….

    Listen, we're not claiming for this story to be the next Titanic, winning an Oscar for the best drama…However, it does teach an important lesson about parenting: By teaching your children the word no, you are not only expanding their “vocabulary,” but you are showing them that there is always more than one choice!

  • "She said my child wasn't raised properly and that I should teach her how to share"
    via halfpoint

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • When teach your child to share, really means, give my kid your stuff.

    We had a small family gathering with some work colleagues during Christmas and we agreed everyone would come with their spouse and kids.
    via pomelo_carnation
  • Snacks and gifts were bought and shared equally among the children. After that, the kids were left to play.
    via pomelo_carnation
  • Later, I heard my child crying. I walked over and saw another child trying to pull my child's fruit snacks.
    via pomelo_carnation
  • The other kids said the child had already finished theirs and now wanted my child's. I picked up my chid and calmly told her she could share if she wanted to.
    via pomelo_carnation
  • The other child's mum then came over, her child pointing at mine, so I explained what had happened.
    via pomelo_carnation
  • Cheezburger Image 10600348928
    via olharomaniuk

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • She started murmuring that my child wasn't raised properly and that I should teach her how to share, simply because my child didn't want to give up the snack that was already hers.
    via pomelo_carnation
  • I was expecting her to correct her kid but she didn't. I didn't react further because it involved a woman and a child, and my wife wasn't there at the time because she had stepped away to get something.
    via pomelo_carnation
  • When she came back, I told her what happned. She wanted to go speak to the woman, but I asked her not to.
    via pomelo_carnation
  • It wasn't worth turning a chldren's issue into adult drama. Still, expecting a child to give up what's theirs just because another child wants it isn't teaching sharing, it's teaching entitlement.
    via pomelo_carnation
  • Successful_Image3354 I couldn't agree with you more. The mother and her kids were horrible, but I think you did the right thing by not engaging, particularly at a work event. I would take this as a potential life lesson with your kid. Sit him down and tell him that the other kid and his mother do not have the right to take something from you just because they want it. Whether he wants to share or not is his decision.
    via Successful_Image3354
  • pomelo_carnation Original Poster's Reply I really don't want it to escalate, that's why I just left. And I can't imagine a kid starting to feel entitled in someone's stuff at that tinder age. Some parents needs to do better, honestly.
    via pomelo_carnation
  • Big Thunder3000 "Teach your child not to be a big back and don't steal food from other kids"
    via BigThunder3000
  • pomelo_carnation Original Poster's Reply Some parents needs to be educated on that.....
    via pomelo_carnation
  • Jaded_Pea_3697 As a daycare teacher to 2-3 year olds, this is one of the biggest lessons I try to teach! "If they don't want to share their toy right now then you have to wait until they're done to have your turn" and then redirect or set a timer to switch if they're still really upset. The kids learn fast!
    via Jaded_Pea_3697
  • Cheezburger Image 10600349184
    via gettysignature

    Image is representative only and does not depict the actual subjects of the story.

  • nightcana Sharing is voluntary by nature and should never be demanded. That parent is raising a bully.
    via nightcana
  • Right_Combination_78 This is so funny to me because... my daughter (maybe 4 yo) and I were at a park once and she wanted to play with another kids' toys. He didn't want to share. I told her that he doesn't have to share his favorite toys because they are his. The boy's mother came up and told her son that he should share. I said that he doesn't have to if he doesn't want to. She said he should. We went back and forth for a half a minute and then just laughed it off at the absurdity of teaching o
    via Right_Combination_78
  • Mmmm__Donuts I hate that. She should've corrected her child! Like kids will be kids and some will be greedy but it's our job as parents to steer them in the right direction and correct unwanted behaviour. Next time you find yourself in said situation I'd recommend talking to your child so that other parent can hear too. Something like 'No baby, you don't have to give up your snacks because another person ate theirs and now want to eat yours too. You've done nothing wrong, enjoy your snacks and c
    via Mmmm__Donuts
  • Wakemeup3000 You handled this perfectly. Explained but stopped engaging once it because apparent she was going to continue to make it look like your child was out of line. Great parenting.
    via Wakemeup3000
  • lacetat Absolutely follow up with this explanation. Your child needs to be secure about what is theirs and what their boundaries are.
    via lacetat
  • Upset-Donut-882 Im a teacher and I had an argument with a teacher about this. A kid didn't want to share HER toy so I took it from the kid that had taken it and gave it back to her. Another teacher said I was wrong and we need to teach them to share, I said ok- give me your phone Teacher- what? Me- better yet give me your car for 1 hour Teacher- what? Why? Me- if adults don't have to share why do kids? I absolutely make they share the toys provided from the school, but if they have their own toy
    via Upset-Donut-882

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