Got Me A Couple New Toys This Morning...

[Blackcat31]

So I have always had what I call the "Hotel California" rule when it comes to toys from home. They can check in any time they wish, but they can never leave..... So any ways, this morning my 3.5 year old (the one still in diapers) comes in with two really nice battery operated Little Tike tools. One was a kid version of a screw gun and the other a kid version of a skill saw. He came in and proudly announced; "Look, what I brought!" So I say, "Oh, wow, you brought me some new toys?" I always ask so they have the option of letting mom take them RIGHT NOW so I don't keep them. The little boys says "no, they are mine" so I say "Well, mom better bring them back to the car right now then" and mom goes "I'll just get them when I pick him up." ....as she is closing the door on her way out!! So now I am totally keeping these toys! I would feel differently IF;
1) kid was new here (been here since birth)
2) kid hadn't had toy issues in past and KNOWS the rules from experience (I kept toys last year and "snuck" them back to mom when kid wasn't looking)
3) mom would be even remotely supportive with any rules I have (this is same mom who lets kid wear undies here but not at home)
4) older sibling had same toy issues when he came here (he is in school now)


So I am totally keeping the toys...even if mom asks for them! I do feel sort of bad for kid because mom is letting him think SHE is right and they don't have to listen to me..... But either way, I am keeping the toys! Am I mean?

[MyAngels]

Nope, not mean. I will be curious to see what, if anything, the parent has to say at pick up ::.

[melskids]

my reply when the parents look for the toys back is always

"toys? what toys? i didnt realize he brought anything in this morning....i haven't seen it, so i'll have to look around for it. oh, i'm sure it will show up."

just so happens i never find it

[Lilbutterflie]

Does she know the Hotel California rule? Have you discussed with her before that when a toy comes in your house it never gets to leave? If this is a discussion you have already had, than my response to mom when she asks for the toy is this: "I have told you before not to let your children bring toys. Since you have repeatedly broken this rule, the toy becomes mine; just as we have already discussed."
If you haven't discussed Hotel California with her before, I would tell her this is the last time an outside toy is ever going to leave your house. The next time she allows her children to bring a toy, the toy will become yours.

[Keri'sKids]

So I have always had what I call the "Hotel California" rule when it comes to toys from home. They can check in any time they wish, but they can never leave..... So any ways, this morning my 3.5 year old (the one still in diapers) comes in with two really nice battery operated Little Tike tools. One was a kid version of a screw gun and the other a kid version of a skill saw. He came in and proudly announced; "Look, what I brought!" So I say, "Oh, wow, you brought me some new toys?" I always ask so they have the option of letting mom take them RIGHT NOW so I don't keep them. The little boys says "no, they are mine" so I say "Well, mom better bring them back to the car right now then" and mom goes "I'll just get them when I pick him up." ....as she is closing the door on her way out!! So now I am totally keeping these toys! I would feel differently IF;
1) kid was new here (been here since birth)
2) kid hadn't had toy issues in past and KNOWS the rules from experience (I kept toys last year and "snuck" them back to mom when kid wasn't looking)
3) mom would be even remotely supportive with any rules I have (this is same mom who lets kid wear undies here but not at home)
4) older sibling had same toy issues when he came here (he is in school now)


So I am totally keeping the toys...even if mom asks for them! I do feel sort of bad for kid because mom is letting him think SHE is right and they don't have to listen to me..... But either way, I am keeping the toys! Am I mean?

No, you are definitely not mean. They are bringing a risk to you and your license every time they bring in their toys. You, I am sure have spent many hours examining toys you buy to make sure they are safe and suitable for all kids involved and bring minimum risk if any to you and your license. You need to do this to keep your good reputation and record. I support you 100%. My son's went to a private elementary school and they did this even there. They MAYBE gave the toys back at the end of every year. That's if you were lucky.

[Blackcat31]

Does she know the Hotel California rule? Have you discussed with her before that when a toy comes in your house it never gets to leave? If this is a discussion you have already had, than my response to mom when she asks for the toy is this: "I have told you before not to let your children bring toys. Since you have repeatedly broken this rule, the toy becomes mine; just as we have already discussed."
If you haven't discussed Hotel California with her before, I would tell her this is the last time an outside toy is ever going to leave your house. The next time she allows her children to bring a toy, the toy will become yours.

Yup...see my original post 1,2, and 3 reasons why I am keeping the toy....

[Keri'sKids]

Batteries, PLEASE...any kid could get them out and **** on them, then where would you be? Anything can happen and YOU are responsible. You are right.

[Lucy]

Since you couldn't catch mom and review your rules with her, I would have the toys in a paper grocery sack sitting outside the front door. She will either see them herself, or when she asks for the toys, just say "oh, they're in the bag outside due to my no toys from home rule". Hee hee hee. ::

I would never just keep it. But that's just me. I WOULD hide it from the kid the minute mom walks out though.

[Michael]

Possession is nine-tenths of the law. I think you have legal standing.

[Blackcat31]

Possession is nine-tenths of the law. I think you have legal standing.

:::: now that is funny!! I did keep the toy and mom never asked but dcb did.....but mom dragged him out bc she was in a hurry so I didn't get to respond to him...he probably won't even remember tomorrow.

[missnikki]

When she asks, I would say, "Oh yes, we all really enjoyed the toys you donated...thanks so much! They fit perfecly right over here, and they are a hit. Thanks again, that was really thoughtful of you."

[momatheart]

We really need a like button there are so many times I want to click like to all your responses!

[Cat Herder]

I still think this rule is my new favorite!!! LOVE IT!!!

Have been singing that song all day for a while, now....

[Abigail]

Possession is nine-tenths of the law. I think you have legal standing.

I'm kind of confused...what does this mean?

[Lucy]

I'm kind of confused...what does this mean?

Finders keepers. Losers weepers.