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[SilverSabre25]

I'm just curious. Who should get the toy in this scenario?

Johnny is playing with a certain big yellow truck. He's been playing with it for at least 15 minutes, driving it around and quietly playing some elaborate game of pretend in his own little world. Suzy walks up and says to him, "I WANT TO PLAY WITH THAT!" Johnny doesn't immediately give Suzy the toy. You step in before a bigger fight brews. Who gets the toy, Johnny or Suzy? Please give your reasoning in the comments if you feel like it.

[e.j.]

In my house, Johnny would get to keep playing with the truck. Just because Suzy wants to play with it, doesn't mean she gets to take it away from Johnny. She'd have to wait until Johnny is finished playing with it. I would tell Johnny, "As soon as you're finished playing with the truck, please let Suzy know so she can have a turn with it." Then I'd tell Suzy, "Go find something else to play with until Johnny is done with the truck."

[Luna]

Johnny. I would tell Suzy "let's go play with this doodad until Johnny's finished with the truck" and tell Johnny "please let us know when you're finished because Suzy would like a turn".

[Luna]

Sorry, I guess I was typing as you were replying!

[kendallina]

In my house, Johnny would get to keep playing with the truck. Just because Suzy wants to play with it, doesn't mean she gets to take it away from Johnny. She'd have to wait until Johnny is finished playing with it. I would tell Johnny, "As soon as you're finished playing with the truck, please let Suzy know so she can have a turn with it." Then I'd tell Suzy, "Go find something else to play with until Johnny is done with the truck."

Yup, this exactly. I wouldn't want to interrupt this elaborate play that's Johnny's doing- it's important work!

[Blackcat31]

Johnny. Possession is 9/10ths of the law.

[Christian Mother]

Johnny would continue to play but I would let Johnny know that he has a couple min. left of play time before he needs to allow Suzy to have a turn.

[Kaddidle Care]

Johnny for sure. Suzy may want it but she has to use her manners.

"OK Suzy, how would you ask Johnny for the truck NICELY?" Once she asks the proper way I would tell Johnny to please give Suzy a turn in a few moments. I usually point to the clock and tell them both that when the big hand reaches "x", Suzy will get a turn. (Usually about 5-10 minutes)

Chances are Suzy will play with the truck for 2 minutes and move onto other prey. Then Johnny gets it back again.

[wdmmom]

Johnny was quietly playing by himself. Johnny can keep playing. Suzy has to wait her turn.

[youretooloud]

Suzy can have it when Johnny is done playing with it. He's making good use of it, he's still enjoying it.

I was in Vegas last year. There were no tables available at this fast food restaurant. People were actually asking other patrons to let them have that table (that they were already using) It's not like anyone was just taking up space and not eating...every table was in use, and the people were eating there... yet others somehow felt they should get the table NOW because they wanted it NOW.

[sharlan]

Johnny was quietly playing by himself. Johnny can keep playing. Suzy has to wait her turn.

EXACTLY. He's behaving, playing quietly, not bothering anybody. Why should Johnny give up the truck just because Suzy wants a turn?

The only toy in my home that has a time limit is the swing. Right now I have 1 regular swing and 2 baby swings. 5 kids have to share the 1 big swing.

[Blackcat31]

I disagree that a time limit be put on how long Johnny plays with the truck before Suzy gets her turn.

She should get her turn when Johnny is done.

Johnny should decide when he is done.

[momofsix]

Johnny gets to keep the truck. If suzy wants to ask for it politely, she may but Johnny is under no obligation to give it to her just because she wants it.
It sounds like I would LOVE the way Johnny is playing

[nannyde]

If this was the first time Johnny did this I wouldn't allow interference.

If Johnny flew to the toy the second he hit the floor every day and kept it that long I wouldn't let him have it.

It doesn't have anything to do with the other kid wanting it. That wouldn't sway me in either direction. It's Johnny's pattern I'm interested in.

[caligirl]

Suzy can have it when Johnny is done playing with it. He's making good use of it, he's still enjoying it. .

Exactly. Suzy can find another toy and wait until Johnny is finished playing with the truck