Toys Don't Have Feelings

On Wednesday, M had a play date with Derek from school. We met at our pool and fed the boys lunch and then let them loose on the pool. Initially, M wouldn't play with Derek and B took over the social activities. As time went on, M began to play with Derek and before they could really start to have fun they started battling over toys.

I have to say that I was pleased to see M sticking up for himself and standing his ground. The boys were fighting over a toy fishing pole and each had a firm grip on one end. Both boys were screaming, "It's mine!", so I removed the toy from them and told them that the fishing pole needed a break. I told them that it the fishing pole didn't like being pulled, that it hurt its feelings.

M started crying and earnestly telling me, "Toys don't have feelings, Mommy! I want the fishing pole! It can't take a break because it's just a toy!" I started laughing so hard that I couldn't even answer M. Unfortunately, this made the situation worse, and we had to leave before he had a complete meltdown.

Overall, I guess it was a successful first play date.