Is it Normal for Toddlers to Fight Over Toys?
Your toddler loves to play with their favorite toys, but sometimes, these toys become a source of conflict.
What can you do if your child fights with their sibling over toys? Is this normal behavior for toddlers?
Toddlers are still developing their understanding of others’ feelings, so they may not realize what’s happening while playing, especially if they don’t understand language yet.
This may lead to confusion and frustration when your toddler wants something from someone else but doesn’t get it.
It might also lead to an argument where toddlers push, hit, bite, kick, or throw things at another person.
These behaviors may occur because your toddler fears the person won’t give them what they want.
They might even be jealous and angry because they feel like the other kid got the toy before them.
How do I Get My Toddler to Stop Fighting Over Toys?
First, try to identify why your toddler is fighting. If fun gameplay becomes angry, you’ll want to talk to your toddler about sharing, taking turns, and gameplay goals.
If fighting occurs over toys not wanting to be shared, it is essential to ask where the anger or fear comes from regarding sharing a specific toy or group of toys.
If you think your toddler’s behavior is more serious than simple jealousy (or that they are being bullied), then it’s time to take action.
The first step is to converse with your child about the rules of sharing and getting along with others.
Explain that sharing with friends and family is essential, but if they are being forced or bullied, it is crucial to let an adult know so they can get help in difficult situations.
You’ll probably find that your child agrees and is happy to work toward a solution. After all, children love to play together, and sharing gives everyone fun opportunities to play.
So when your toddler starts fighting over toys, don’t be surprised, and if it happens again, remind your toddler that it is unfair to hurt someone else’s feelings by pushing, hitting, biting, kicking, or throwing objects.
What to do if Two Kids Are Fighting Over the Same Toy?
Sometimes, young children will fight over toys to get the attention of a parent or teacher.
Sometimes two kids fight over the same toy because they’re competing for it. Or maybe one of them has been hiding it, and the other didn’t notice.
Regardless of the reason, you’ll likely need to intervene and set up a new system for sharing toys.
You might start a toy schedule so toys are equally shared, have one child choose which toy they prefer to play with on one day and allow the other kid to select the next day, or find fun ways to share the toy in creative and imaginative ways.
Of course, if your toddler refuses to share, you need to find alternatives, such as giving them a different kind of toy instead.
If two kids are fighting over a toy and the parent can’t break them apart, remaining calm is an excellent personal rule.
Don’t add fuel to the fire by trying to pick sides, either. Instead, focus on resolving the issue in the best way possible.
Remind your toddler that fighting isn’t okay. Let your toddler know it hurts your feelings to see someone get hurt, especially when they don’t mean to.
The best thing you can do after a fight is to calmly explain what happened, apologize for hurting someone’s feelings, and make sure that nothing similar happens again.
Your toddler will likely feel better afterward, and if they cry or beg for a toy to settle down, it is okay to give it to them.
They may not want to play with it anymore, but at least they know it hasn’t been taken away forever.
How do I get My Siblings to Stop Fighting Over Toys?
It can be hard to keep peace in your home, but what about maintaining peace among your siblings? That’s not always an easy task!
There are ways to teach your kids to share and respect each other’s boundaries.
For instance, you can start teaching your young children to treat each other nicely and show compassion by helping them empathize with their peers.
For older kids, teach them to resolve conflicts without violence and avoid arguments, even when frustrated.
If you have a few of these techniques under your belt, consider using them to train your entire family. Start by setting a tone of mutual respect and cooperation.
Then, use one of these strategies whenever your children argue over toys or other issues.
For younger children, try having them play games together that require them to cooperate.
Have them play together on opposite sides of a room, and they’ll learn that they can’t win by themselves; they need to work together to get what they want.
This strategy works well when the children are very young since they’re easier to redirect.
You can start working on conflict resolution skills when your children are older.
Teach them to listen carefully to each other’s opinions, speak respectfully, and compromise when necessary.
Try to teach them the value of forgiveness rather than just the value of winning.
Is it Normal for Toddlers to Fight Each Other?
It’s natural for babies and toddlers to fight over toys; and for parents to intervene to prevent it. But sometimes, these battles become more frequent.
According to experts, it’s perfectly fine for toddlers to compete and fight with each other.
There aren’t any known harmful effects of these interactions within normal circumstances and situations.
However, it’s important to remember that toddlers are learning how to interact with other children.
If they constantly fight over toys, they might develop negative beliefs about other people. This can lead to fears about sharing and jealousy.
If these fears are left unchecked, it might lead to bullying and aggression later in life.
Is it Normal for Toddlers to Fight Over Toys?
So yes, it’s normal for toddlers to fight with siblings or other toddlers as they encounter new situations. If you’re concerned about how your toddler behaves, it is best to intervene and get to the bottom of the issue earlier than later.