We have more recently had a little bit of issues fighting over things. I will ask, “What’s more important? Your toy or your sister?” I’m glad I haven’t gotten any smart comments back on that one…yet. I’m sure it’s coming. They can generally work it out fairly. If they are fighting over a particular toy and can’t work it out, I simply take it away. I never want things to get in the way of relationships, and this is a quick and effective way of handling it.
Amen!
In our house, they have the ability to earn back the toy the following day. But I’ve also found that squabbling over toys can be a symptom of toy-overwhelm. As witness: http://www.trialanderrorhomeec.blogspot.com/2012/09/wfmw-limiting-toysagain.html