119 | Toy Takers!: Setting Limits On Children Taking Toys Home

Play Therapy Podcast: A Master-Class in Child-Centered Play Therapy · Dec 28, 2023 · 20m

In this episode, I respond to a question from Stacy in Colorado about children taking toys from the playroom. Stacy describes a situation where a girl repeatedly tries to take toys home, while her sister asks but respects the limit. I explain that children often want to take toys home because the playroom is a unique environment where they feel unconditionally loved and accepted. This desire is heightened for foster or adoptive children, for whom possessions represent safety and stability. Setting limits is key, using neutral language like "toys are for staying in the playroom" and offering…